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Ouray County was founded in 1877 when it was carved out of Hinsdale and San Juan Counties.  It was the first county created under the statehood of Colorado.  It covers 542 square miles and has an estimated population of 3,027.  The county seat, also named Ouray, was incorporated in 1876 and has a year round population of about 700.  Ridgway is the only other still incorporated town with a year round population of about 650.  During the late 19th and early 20th centuries mining was the chief industry.  Today, although there is still some mining, the chief industry is tourism.

It is little wonder tourists are attracted to this area, with the San Juan range, known as the "shining mountains" to the Ute Indians, the youngset and most rugged of the Colorado Rockies covering the southern part of the county.  The county has the 28th (Mount Sneffels, 14150 ft) and 48th (Wetterhorn Peak 14015 ft.) highest peaks of Colorado's 14ners Club.  Not to mention another ten 13000 feet or higher mountains within the county borders.