Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway
Florence, CO

Florence began as a place of residence and rest for cultures ranging from the Ute Indians to the Spanish explorers and French trappers. As a community, Florence first experienced economic growth in 1862 as a result of oil discovered there. Florence was a station for processing gold ore from 1894 to 1912. Loaded railroad cars traveled down Phantom Canyon Road for the ore to be processed in Florence. The city had ample coal and water for the job and by the turn of the century, nine reduction mills were operating.

Today, visitors to Florence can find the Pioneer Museum where they can view pieces of Florence's past. In the historic downtown area visitors find shops, restaurants, and lodging.