Colorado Gambling Town’s Fascinating History with Donkeys

The historic town of Cripple Creek, Colorado has a long history of being an old west gambling town with roots dating back to the mining days of the mid-1800s.

Tales of gambling, gunslinging, and even brothels give Cripple Creek a well-deserved reputation, but one aspect of Cripple Creek that's perhaps lesser known than its wild west insignia has been around just as long and unlike the brothels, is very much still around.

Cripple Creek Colorado's Fascinating History with Donkeys

Back in the days of Colorado's infancy, donkeys were associated with the mining industry just as much as pickaxes and railcars.

In fact, a story about the miners releasing the donkeys into the town back in 1901 after they were no longer needed has inspired the town to celebrate the pack animals ever since.

In 1931, the Two Mile High Club was established in order to care for the free-roaming donkeys and has been around ever since, consistently hosting a number of fun events each year.

Each June, the town hosts Donkey Derby Days, which is scheduled this year for the weekend of June 27 through 29, and the symbolic Donkey Release inspired by the actual stranger-than-fiction event of 1901 takes place this year on May 26.

Yes, donkeys are released to walk the streets of Cripple Creek each year and townspeople and tourists alike can even feed special "approved treats" to them.

Check out the Two Mile High Club's official website for more information.

Burro Racing is an Annual Festivity in One Colorado Town

Have you ever seen a bunch of donkeys running down the street? If you’ve been to Boom Days in Leadville, the answer may be yes.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde

Classic Photos: Grand Junction Colorado's Coveted Donkey Races of 1952

Did you ever attend the Donkey Races at Grand Junction's Mesa County Fair? Given that this was 71 years ago, it's unlikely any of us were there.

Take a look at a handful of Robert Grant images lifted from recently discovered negatives. These images are from the Donkey Races of June 1952.

Like always, keep your eyes open for someone you recognize. Every time one of these photo posts are shared someone recognizes their dad, grandpa, great-grandmother, or some close relative.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan