Where Chicago Creek empties into Clear Creek. It was the first substantial gold discovery in Colorado. Jackson, a Missouri native with experience in the California gold fields, was drawn to the area by clouds of steam rising from some nearby hot springs. Jackson kept his find secret for several months, but after he paid for some supplies with gold dust, others rushed to Jackson's diggings.

The settlement was first called Spanish Bar, later renamed Idaho Springs, after the hot springs.

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,889 people, 841 households, and 485 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,820.1 people per square mile (701.3/km²). There were 904 housing units at an average density of 871.0/sq mi (335.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.71% White, 0.74% Black or African American, 1.06% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 1.54% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. 5.03% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 841 households out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.9 males.

Idaho Springs to Central City
National Register 1/31/1978, 5CC.76

Begun in 1893, the Argo Tunnel extends approximately five miles toward Central City at an average depth of 1,800 feet. It was designed by local mining entrepreneur Sam Newhouse to transport ores from area gold mines. The Argo Mill dates from 1913. The hillside location of the sprawling complex’s interconnected structures is clearly visible from Interstate Highway 70. Primarily constructed with a steel frame surfaced with corrugated iron panels, portions of the mill rise to a height of nearly seven stories. The operation closed after a mine disaster in 1943, and the mill has been operated as a museum/tourist attraction since the late 1970s.

South of I-70, below Bridal Veil Falls
State Register 9/9/1998, 5CC.229

Originally a part of Tayler's series of five stamp mills, the waterwheel was moved as a community project to its present location in 1948. Since then, it has served as an important visual landmark for Idaho Springs residents and for those traveling through the area. In 1988, volunteers donated an estimated 3,800 hours of labor to the rehabilitation/restoration of what is considered to be a valuable community resource.

1414 Colorado Blvd.
National Register 3/5/1998, 5CC.241

The building is a good local example of the Gothic Revival style. Originally constructed in 1880, additions date from 1905. Slight variations in the brick work serve as evidence of the building's expansion to meet the changing needs of a growing congregation.