Morgan Ramsey of the hospitality agency TELA and Kyle Louis DuBois of RMC are organizing a luxury weekend retreat in early June to revitalize Lincoln Hills in Gilpin County, Colorado. The event seeks to reconnect contemporary travelers with the heritage of a historic sanctuary once reserved for African Americans during the era of segregation.
The Harlem Renaissance legacy of Duke Ellington and Zora Neale Hurston
Lincoln Hills was not merely a vaccation spot; it was the first mountain resort west of the Mississippi established specifically by and for Black Americans. According to the source report, the site served as a critical cultural hub during the Harlem Renaissance, hosting legendary figures such as Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Duke Ellington. This history reflects a broader American trend where marginalized communities created their own autonomous spaces for recreation and property ownership when mainstream resorts were legallly or socially off-limits.
The preservation of Lincoln Hills is part of a larger movement to reclaim African American narratives of resilience and achievement in the American West. By highlighting the resort's role as a refuge, the organizers aim to fill gaps in traditional school curricula that often omit the specific contributions and challenges of Black pioneers in mountain regions.
From the Hotel Boulderado to the 100 acres of Gilpin County
The planned itinerary for the early June retreat blends modern luxury with historical immersion. The experience begins at the Hotel Boulderado, a century-old Victorian flagship in downtown Boulder, where guests will stay and visit an underground speakeasy featuring live jazz. Morgan Ramsey, the 33-year-old founder of TELA, has meticulously planned the sensory details of the stay, from the architectural framing of the ceilings to the specific oaky scents of the venue.
Following the stay in Boulder,guests will travel 40 minutes west to the actual Lincoln Hills site. As the report says, the remaining 100 acres are currently managed by the non-profit organization Lincoln Hills Cares. Visitors will be led by environmental stewards who will showcase the natural beauty of the landscape and the historical significance of the property, framing the site as an authentic cultural landmark that remains relevant today.
Judge Gary Jackson and the 1948 journey to a racial refuge
The emotional weight of the site is exemplified by the stories of descendants like retired Denver judge Gary Jackson. Jackson's great-grandfather was among those who built the original cabins on the property. The report notes that early Black homeowners chose Lincoln Hills specifically because other resort towns were inaccessible due to systemic racial barriers.
The physical struggle to reach this sanctuary is a poignant detail of the site's history. Judge Gary Jackson recalled his generation's experience traveling to the resort in a 1948 vehicle, a journey that took four hours each way. This contrast between the grueling travel of the past and the luxury transit of the upcoming retreat underscores the evolution of Black travel in America.
How Lincoln Hills Cares will fund sustainable tourism
While the retreat serves as a catalyst for visibility, the long-term viability of the site depends on the efforts of Lincoln Hills Cares. The non-profit has already overhauled its museum exhibits to include new memorabilia and stories, strategically relocating the exhibit to maintain the sanctity of the grounds. The goal is to create a "new cycle of capital" through partnerships between TELA, RMC, and the non-profit to ensure the site is preserved for future generations.
However, several specific details remain unclear. It is not yet known how the revenue from a "luxury" retreat will be distributed to support the broader preservation of the 100 acres, nor has the source specified the cost of the retreat or who exactly is eligible to attend. Additionally, while the report mentions "diversity,equity and inclusion efforts nationwide," it does not explain how a high-end, exclusive weekend event aligns with a broader mission of inclusive accessibility.
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