Leadville, Colorado (pop. 2,633), is often called Cloud City because it is the highest incorporated city in the United States. It lies in the central part of the state, southwest of Denver. The city was named Leadville because of the large quantities of lead ore once found in the area. Silver, gold, iron, copper, bismuth, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, and zinc were also mined in the region. The last major mining operations closed in the late 1900’s. Leadville is a center for fishing, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities. It is the home of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.
The discovery of silver-lead mines brought thousands of people to Leadville after 1878, the year the city was incorporated. Leadville has a mayor-council government and is the seat of Lake County.
