Custer County was created in 1877 and named in honor of Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The County was the site of a silver rush in the 1870’s and was home to many notable mines including the Geyser Mine, the Bassick Mine and the Bull Domingo. During the late 19th century, a railroad line connected through the Grape Creek Canyon, but was closed after significant flooding. The old rail house has since been turned into a historical landmark in the county seat of Westcliffe.
After the mines closed, the population dropped, (currently at just under 6,000 residents,) and cattle ranching expanded in the area.
The terrain is quite rugged, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide beautiful views with peaks in excess of 14,000 feet. Crestone Peak is the highest at 14,294 feet and is the 7th highest fourteener in Colorado.