This classic colonial-looking library is the second notable building in this Ouray, Colorado mini-series. Constructed in 1900 with a donation from Thomas Walsh, who founded a gold mine, it burned down in 1950. The historic facade was restored in 1988.

The building was designed as a miniature replica of the Independence Hall in Philadelphia and also houses Ouray’s city hall. While looking like a colonial structure, I wouldn’t have guessed its Independence Hall origins, which I’ve visited many times. It’s missing the wings on both sides and looks like something you might see at Disneyland.

The worst architectural offense is the brick extension on the right with big firehouse-like garage doors, which destroys the balance and integrity of the original architecture. Still, it’s an impressive building in the middle of a 1000-person town high up in the mountains and lacking fully paved roads. Coupled with the mountain backdrop, the colonial-like building is an impressive, if not interesting, site.

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