The Mining Exchange Hotel

8 S. Nevada Ave

Now a luxurious boutique hotel, this building was once the Colorado Springs Mining Stock Exchange, the world's busiest mining stock exchange, founded by millionaire mine owner Winfield Scott Stratton. Stratton arrived in Colorado Springs from Indiana in 1874 and worked as a carpenter during the winter for over a decade. Every summer, he ventured into the Colorado Mountains to prospect for gold. To deepen his knowledge of mining and minerals, Stratton studied assaying and metallurgy at Colorado College under Professor Streiby. His dedication paid off on July 4, 1891, when he struck gold. His claim, which later sold for over $10 million, became the renowned Independence Mine. Stratton's CC education clearly proved invaluable.