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Historic Montrose County in central Western Colorado was the ancestral home of the Ute Indians. Located in the semi-arid, highly fertile Uncompahgre (the Ute name meaning "warm red waters standing," referring to the area's hot spring pools), the City of Montrose was founded in 1882, after the Utes' 1881 relocation to their Utah reservation. A typical frontier freighting and cow town, Montrose saw its fair share of gun play, quarrelling and saloon brawls, common in history and legend. Paradox in the County's west end was a hideout for many notable outlaws who sheltered in its deep canyons. However, most citizens lived in peace and harmony, serving the needs of the San Juan mining camps, and the cattle and sheep empires, thriving at the development of the railroad, which facilitated quick transport of beef and mutton to the hungry eastern markets.

At the turn of the century, the search for irrigation water led to one of the first of the Bureau of Reclamation projects, and an astonishing engineering feat: the 7-mile Gunnison River Tunnel. Carrying water from the Gunnison River into the Uncompahgre Valley, the tunnel helped transform Montrose into a highly diversified agricultural area, producing row crops, fruit orchards, hay, sheep and cattle. Ranchers wintered their stock in the mild Uncompahgre Valley, and grazed them in the lush high mountain country throughout the summer.

Montrose thrived in this settled agrarian lifestyle, experiencing moderate population increases and economic growth through the 1980's. In the 1990's, Montrose's population and economic growth developed into the strong patterns that are continuing into the 21st century. Continued diversification of the Montrose economy through economic development efforts is a top priority.

Today, Montrose affords a quality of life most people dream about. A remarkable community full of spirit and friendly people, Montrose lends itself to a wide variety of activities year round. The outdoor enthusiast will find camping in our mountains and forests, cross country skiing, mountain biking, amazing 4-wheel drive trails, hiking, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and hunting. Montrose is also home to one of the country's newest National Parks, the incredible Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Some of the country's finest downhill skiing can be found in nearby internationally-renowned ski resorts such as Telluride and Crested Butte. And Montrose offers any number of delectable and diverse dining experiences, delightfully unique shops, and a lively performing arts community.

Montrose offers great business opportunities and is home to of a variety of manufacturing concerns including aerospace, micro-machining and composites, among others. Montrose Memorial Hospital, our newly remodeled and expanded regional medical center, includes more than 60 physicians in over 20 medical specialties, and nearly a dozen special care centers and clinics staffed by hundreds of skilled nurses and technologists. Montrose County has a outstanding regional commercial airport, a wonderful new library, and an expanding college and educational system. One thing that sets Montrose apart from so many other communities is the solidarity and strength of our community through our businesses, our service clubs and our residents. We work together to make Montrose a better place to live, work and play.

Situated in the Uncompahgre Valley at an elevation of 5,794 feet, Montrose County encompasses 2,241 square miles bordered on the south by the San Juan Mountains, with the Uncompahgre Plateau to the west, Grand Mesa to the north, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the east. These surrounding high mountain barriers afford the valley uniformity of weather and lower wind velocity than other parts of Colorado.

Montrose residents enjoy mild summers and winters, with an average of 274 sunny days each year and minimal snow accumulation within the City of Montrose. Montrose enjoys a low relative humidity, low average precipitation and a clear and pure air quality year round.

The Montrose Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of community business members and elected officials. Our organization represents the communities of Montrose, Olathe, Nucla, Naturita, and Montrose County. Operating funds are provided by MEDC memberships from businesses, local government, and individuals, who are united in their support of the future economic strength and diversity of our community.

Montrose Economic Development Corporation’s focus areas include; Retention/Expansion of Existing Companies; Attraction of Targeted Companies; Entrepreneurial Job Development; Agricultural Development; and Work Force Enhancement.

The Mission of MEDC is to strengthen Montrose County’s economic base and increase the standard of living for all of its residents through the retention, expansion, attraction and development of primary jobs and capital investments. This Mission includes the promotion of workforce enhancement, agriculture advancement and other business development that provides economic diversification and stabilization.

Montrose Economic Development Corporation
100 Tessitore Court, Ste. A
Montrose, CO 81401
1-800-270-0211
970-249-9438
Fax: 970-249-9459
email: info@montroseedc.org