Unbeknownst to many, Leadville was once home to a thriving Jewish community, complete with temple, cemetery, and well-known residents, including members of the May and Guggenheim families. Although there is no longer a Jewish community or congregation in Leadville, the beautifully restored Temple Israel Frontier Synagogue and Museum stands as the only building of its kind west of the Mississippi. The story of the Jews who once belonged to this temple--from brothel owners and barkeepers, to respected merchants and business people--is an entertaining and uncommon tale.

Facilitator and Leadville resident Bill Korn has spearheaded this educational effort for over 20 years. He started and still leads the Temple Israel Foundation and oversaw the meticulous renovation of the temple and cemetery.

Bill Korn, President of Temple Israel Foundation in Leadville, tells the tale of how a group of pioneer Jewish merchants and barkeepers formed a community at two miles high, building a temple, maintaining a cemetery, and birthing one of the most well known department stores in the world.

Unbeknownst to many, Leadville was once home to a thriving Jewish community, complete with temple, cemetery and well-known residents, including members of the May and Guggenheim families. There was even a kosher picnic in Leadville in July 1895!