W.H. Jackson colorized photo


painting by Herdom Davis


jellenc@ionet.net



leadville crystal carnival and ice palace (1896)

In the fall of 1895 using 5000 tons of ice blocks the building of the Ice Palace began in Leadville, Colorado. It measured 325 feet. by 180 feet. with towers reaching 90 feet high by 40 feet wide, and enclosed 5 acres of ground.

The inside contained a 180 foot ice rink, dance floor, curling rink, restaurant, gaming room and other activity areas. It was illuminated with a dazzling array of electric lights and adorned with gleaming search lights with wonderful prismatic colors illuminating the walls of ice outside.

Workmen worked day and night until it's completion for opening day on January 1, 1896. Visitors came from far and wide to see the magnificent building of ice and enjoy Leadville's Crystal Carnival.

"On a massive range, where towering peaks
hold while the font of river's flow.
We have builded a house from the Frost King's freaks,
and invite all the world to play in the snow."


During an early thaw in mid-March of 1896 the Ice Palace went the way of all ice, but remained in the memory of all who viewed.

Located at the foot of 2 of Colorado's 14,000+ highest peaks Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the world at 10,200 feet...earning the title of "Cloud City". By 1896 200 million dollars in ore had been mined out of it's mines.