Ames
Ghost town in San Miguel County, Colorado · San Miguel district
History
Site of the Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant, built in 1891, the world's first commercial alternating current (AC) hydroelectric power plant. It transmitted power 2.6 miles to the Gold King Mine at Alta, proving AC power could work for industrial applications. A National Historic Landmark.
Visiting Ames
What remains: National Historic Landmark. Historical marker for the Ames Hydroelectric Plant — the first commercial AC power plant in the world.
Access: South Fork Road from Telluride/Ophir area. Passenger vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ames?
Ames is located in San Miguel County, Colorado, in the San Miguel area at an elevation of 8,800 ft, coordinates 37.8647, -107.8823.
Can you visit Ames today?
South Fork Road from Telluride/Ophir area. Passenger vehicle.
What remains at Ames?
National Historic Landmark. Historical marker for the Ames Hydroelectric Plant — the first commercial AC power plant in the world.