Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin

©2001CHS

Healy House

Discover two of Leadville's earliest houses for a glimpse of western life in a booming silver-mining camp. James V. Dexter's surprisingly plush 1879 log cabin was the Leadville residence of the mining investor and businessman.  By that time he was already wealthy man and loved a wide variety of activities. Besides being an avid hunter, Dexter was a collector of coins, gems, etchings and paintings. He was a sought-after host, and his Leadville cabin, although small, allowed Dexter the freedom to entertain informally.  He quickly became known as having the "stiffest and most exclusive private poker club" in Leadville.

August R. Meyer's 1878 Greek Revival clapboard house (now called Healy House) was built for his bride, Emma.  The home features lavish Victorian furnishings collected in Leadville, including objects belonging to silver tycoon Horace and Augusta Tabor, along with other Leadville pioneers.  For many years it was a boarding house and by 1900 twenty-one people called this home.  The boarders included Dan Healy, and his cousin, Nellie, who taught school, and several of the men employed by the railroads.

©2004 CHS

Dexter Cabin.

You and your family can tour at your own pace and have all your Leadville questions of yesterday and today answered by knowledgeable staff. Ask for our children's tour, designed to make your family's visit a memorable experience.