South Table Mountain’s time has come and gone. The Golden City Council has now approved a plan to destroy this monumental stone landmark. Residents of Golden have been complaining about South Table’s aesthetics for years. The boxy mountain blocks views of otherwise beautiful sunrises and is a horrible eyesore.
“I’m surprised it wasn’t gone sooner,” said Jody Ramone, a long-time resident. “It’s just so ugly!” Over the years, many residents have proposed that South Table Mountain be destroyed, but 2013 was the first year that the Golden City Council took the requests seriously.
“Our biggest goal is to make Golden a great place to live,” said John Doe, councilman. “If that requires us to move a mountain, then so be it.”
However, many Mines students hate to see the beloved mountain disappear. “It’s a symbol of the city,” noted Holly Brown, “I couldn’t imagine living without it.” Other students love the mountain for its recreational activities. “I go up there every weekend,” said Joseph Krane. “It’s my escape from Mines.”
Many geologists also frown upon the decision. “South Table Mountain is rich in geologic history,” said Michael Jones, world-renowned geologist. “By destroying this landmark, the City of Golden is destroying millions of years of Rocky Mountain history.” South Table Mountain is well known for its geologic mysteries, but it is also home to many archaeological sites. The Pineote Indians, who were most well-known for their whittling skills, lived on the mountaintop for several hundred years before they were exposed to measles. The disease ravaged their already small numbers and the tribe died out within several years. South Table Mountain is home to the only Pineote Indian archaeological sites.
The community has a chance to appeal the council’s decision. The Council will listen to the opposition on April 30 at 11:30 pm at the Golden City Council Chambers.
Demolition is set to begin in July. Residents of the east side of Golden will be required to evacuate their homes for two years while the mountain is being excavated. Much of the stone will be sent to various landscaping companies throughout the Rocky Mountain region, and the city of Golden plans to sell the newly available land to raise funds for more snow removal equipment. All recoverable artifacts will be sent to various museums around the country. The Colorado State Patrol is already in the process of moving their offices to downtown Denver and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory plans to move their operations to Colorado Springs.
