Known as "the Ruby of the Rockies," Redstone was developed by turn-of-the-century industrialist John Cleveland Osgood whose coal empire spurred construction of the Crystal River Railroad and Redstone's historic dwellings. As an experiment in "enlightened paternalism," Osgood constructed 84 cottages and a 40 room inn, all with indoor plumbing and electricity for his coal miners and cokers, as well as modern bathhouse facilities, a club house with a library and a theatre, and a school. Most of these craftsmen-era Swiss style cottages are still used as homes in Redstone.

Osgood constructed "Cleveholm Manor," the opulent 42-room Tudor-style mansion now commonly referred to as "the Redstone Castle" for his second wife, Swedish Countess Alma Regina Shelgrem. By the time Cleveholm was completed in 1902, the estate included servants' quarters, a gamekeeper's lodge, a carriage house, and a greenhouse.

Despite Osgood's remarkable accomplishments, it was Alma who made the greatest impression on Redstone's early 20th Century inhabitants with her remarkable sense of noblesse oblige. Alma was known among the coal workers and their families as "Lady Bountiful" for her legendary generosity.

Today, visitors to Redstone enjoy fine dining, welcoming inns, working artists' studios, fine art galleries and quaint shops filled with antiques and handmade crafts. This enchanting alpine village is located along Colorado's West Elk Scenic Byway on the edge of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, and offers world-class recreational activities and endless opportunities for adventure.

Map: Redstone

Region: Northwest Regional Information

County: Pitkin

Proximity to other towns: Located 198 miles from Boulder, 16.4 miles from Carbondale, 28.9 miles from Glenwood Springs, 41.4 miles from Paonia, 45.6 miles from Snowmass Village

Population: 92

Elevation: 7192 feet

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