This ranching community and its occupants enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in a sprawling, beautiful valley near the north-central town of La Porte. Livermore Colorado was named for two mineral prospectors who first built a one-room cabin on the site. Later English remittance men relocated to the area and residents opened a young boys ranching school in Livermore. However the community's most famous historical structure is The Forks Hotel and Cafe.
The Forks was named for its location at a major split in the Overland Trail. The original owners built the tavern in 1874 after relocating to Colorado from Chicago. Local workers carted timber from the mountains, made shingles by hand and insulated the walls with sheep's wool. Following its grand opening celebration, The Forks existed as significant community center and resting point for weary travelers heading to the mountains.
After a massive 1904 flood swallowed The Forks, the structure was never rebuilt to its original form, but a modern reincarnation of The Forks serves as a general store and gas stop and remains a historic stopping point on any journey through this scenic area of Colorado. Many visitors to the Livermore area also choose to stay over at area guest ranches. Endless wilderness areas near town offer wonderful opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, fly fishing and hunting. |
