Leaving Montrose, Colorado, I moved on to Crawford, Colorado to use as a base to explore the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. My real excuse was really to visit Crawford! Any town or place that sports my last name has to be visited and explored.

This is Needle Rock Natural Area near Crawford, Colorado.

I love old churches and interesting buildings along the way.

Most people come to Marble for BBQ and the historic buildings of the town. Marble’s claim to fame is it produced the Marble for the Tomb of the Unknowns, as well as for parts of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and civic buildings in San Francisco. It was also used for the construction of the Equitable Building, a historically important early skyscraper in New York City.

Hayes Creek Falls between County Road 3 to Marble and the Redstone Historic District.

The Redstone Historic District includes the original community of Redstone. In 1989 it was recognized as a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes the Redstone Inn and numerous restored buildings now operating as businesses and gift shops. I assume the red stone cliffs had something to do with the naming of the community!

The Redstone Coke Oven Historic District is located outside Redstone, Colorado. It consists of the remaining coke ovens built at the end of the 19th century by the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. In 1990, it was recognized as a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Don’t miss my related video on YouTube!