While English, American, and Northern European settlers arrived first, by 1900, Croatian, Italian, and Slavic miners made up the overwhelming majority of the labor force.  Buildings in the district primarily date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Wood served as the most prevalent building material, and numerous well preserved false front commercial properties remain in use.  Dwellings generally reflect simple design, small scale, and limited ornamentation.  An interesting variety of secondary buildings remains intact along many of the alleys.  Since the major coal mines shut down in 1952, Crested Butte has become a tourist center for sightseers in the summer and skiers in the winter.  The property is associated with the Mining Industry in Colorado Multiple Property Submission.