Over 320 graves, along with the 1883 Dillon Schoolhouse, were meticulously moved from the valley floor before the waters of the Dillon Reservoir submerged the original town forever. The relocation of an entire community profoundly shaped the area's history and its present. The human impact of sacrificing established homes and livelihoods for regional progress remains palpable.
An entire community was dismantled and submerged to create a water resource, but its legacy is actively maintained and explored through dedicated historical preservation efforts. The tension between erasure and remembrance defines the story of Old Dillon.
Through the persistent work of the Summit Historical Society and the current challenges of fluctuating water levels, Old Dillon's story serves as a poignant reminder of progress's true cost and the resilience of memory.
A Town Beneath the Waves: Why Old Dillon's Story Resonates Today
Since 2012, the Summit Historical Society has hosted summer boat tours on the Dillon Reservoir. These tours offer a tangible connection to the submerged past, allowing visitors to visualize the lost town and grasp the profound impact of the reservoir's creation. Old Dillon's story serves as a powerful case study, informing discussions about balancing resource development, community displacement, and the enduring human desire to preserve heritage.
The Great Relocation: Moving a Town, Piece by Piece
Before the valley filled, structures like the 1883 Dillon Schoolhouse, the Mint, the Old Dillon Inn, and over 320 graves were moved, according to SummitDaily. This massive relocation demanded immense logistical planning and exactitude. The sacrifice of an established community for regional development carried significant challenges and an emotional toll, a reality the historical society works to keep in public memory.
Echoes of the Past: Community Responses to a Submerged History
Descendants of Old Dillon residents often share personal stories, connecting family histories to the submerged town. These narratives confirm the deep roots displaced by the reservoir's construction. The varied reactions to Old Dillon's story—from nostalgia for the past to civic pride in the new town—reveal how such a transformative event shapes community identity and memory.
Facing the Future: Water Levels, Recreation, and Remembering Old Dillon
At water elevation 8,971 feet, the ramp at Dillon Marina becomes unusable for most motorized craft, according to Denver Water. The unusable ramp at Dillon Marina directly impacts the Summit Historical Society's boat tours, which rely on reservoir access. The very water that submerged Old Dillon now threatens the means of remembering it, as environmental shifts make the reservoir itself vulnerable. By 2026, the Summit Historical Society's efforts to preserve Old Dillon's memory will increasingly depend on the reservoir's fluctuating water levels.
Your Questions Answered: The History of Dillon Reservoir
When was Dillon Reservoir built?
Construction of the Dillon Dam began in 1961 and concluded in 1963, with the reservoir filling over the subsequent years. The project was primarily undertaken to supply water to Denver and the Front Range.
Who manages Dillon Reservoir?
Denver Water manages the Dillon Reservoir, overseeing its operations for water supply, recreation, and environmental stewardship. They control the water levels and maintain the surrounding recreational facilities.
What are the historical uses of Dillon Reservoir?
Historically, the valley where the reservoir now sits was a mining and ranching community, home to the original town of Dillon. Once filled, the reservoir became a primary water source for Denver and a major recreational hub for boating and fishing.
