History of the Healy House & Dexter Cabin

In two-mile high Leadville, miners made their fortunes overnight. Leadville was home to the legendary Baby Doe Tabor, who clung to the Matchless Mine—long after her beloved Horace watched his fortune vanish. Today the Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin look out over another kind of wealth: the historic and scenic treasures of this storied mining town.

August R. Meyer's 1878 Greek Revival clapboard house (now called Healy House) was built for his bride, Emma. The home has been beautifully restored and features lavish Victorian furnishings collected by Leadville pioneers. For years it was a sought-after boarding house and a hub of social life, with croquet on the lawn as Nellie Healy entertained guests in the parlor.

Beside the mansion is the surprisingly plush 1879 log cabin that was mining investor and businessman James V. Dexter’s Leadville residence. By the time he built the cabin he was already a wealthy man, one of Colorado’s first millionaires, and loved a wide variety of activities. Besides being an avid hunter, Dexter was a collector of coins, gems, etchings, and paintings. He was a sought-after host, and his cabin, although small, allowed Dexter the freedom to entertain informally. He quickly became known as having the "stiffest and most exclusive private poker club" in Leadville.

The lush gardens have been restored in honor of Emma Meyer, the first lady of the house. From the parlor window one can look out on the formal garden with Victorian urns, statuary, garden benches, and gazebo. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the gardens, where many native plants have been identified, and enjoy the magnificent view from the gazebo.

Accessibility at the Healy House Museum

At the Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin, we want all of our visitors to feel welcome. Here’s how we try to be accessible for everyone.

If you have additional questions you can email us or call (719) 486-0487.

Mobility & Entering the Building

Parking is available in our onsite parking lot. Curb cuts from the parking lot to our pathway allow for wheelchair access to the museum etrance.

The ground floor of the Healy House is wheelchair accessible, however the upstairs are only accessible by stairs.
 

Accessible Restrooms

There are two wheelchair accessible restrooms in the Healy House.
 

Service Animals

Service animals—animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability—are allowed throughout the museum. Pets and emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed.