
You Should've Seen It: Pueblo's Mineral Palace
You Should’ve Seen It: Pueblo’s Mineral Palace follows the strange and little-known history of the Colorado Mineral Palace, which for 51 years stood as an icon of the industry and hope of the state of Colorado and city of Pueblo. Since its demolition, it has since drifted into urban legend and folklore, leaving generations of Puebloans wondering what it was, where it went, and what (if anything) remains.
The Palace once represented the hopes and dreams of the people of Pueblo, and how they viewed their own present and prospective future. The decay and eventual shuttering of the Palace reflected the dire economic situation of the Great Depression, as well as the reliance on federal work aid and donated labor. Hints of the Palace are still present to this day in the name of the park and nearby businesses, the enduring mystery of the Silver Queen, and the future of the historic Mineral Palace Park, which will continue to be impacted by expanding infrastructure and roadways.
Stories of the Mineral Palace and the surrounding Mineral Palace Park come alive through archival photos, Palace memorabilia, oral histories, and interpretive art.