A Rich Mining History
Copper's roots go back to mining in the late 1800's, when it called Wheeler Junction (where the West Ten Mile and Ten Mile Creeks join) after Judge John Wheeler who bought two placer mine claims at the base of Copper Mountain. Mining, logging and sawmilling drew a popoulation of 225.
Later, in 1883, the Rocky Mountain News noted the area's summer tourist potenital: "The climate is the finest, clearest and purest in the world, the water comes fresh from the melting snows. This is a a summer resort that may yet attract thousands"