The Town of Breckenridge is an historic resort community located 86 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Breckenridge was settled in 1859 as a gold and silver mining town. In hopes to gain a post office in 1860, this town was named after Vice President John Cabell Breckinridge. Breckenridge is a community of 4.7 square miles with a permanent population of approximately 1,900. At 9600 feet in elevation Breckenridge enjoys a high-alpine climate. The average annual snowfall is in excess of 250" and the average winter daytime temperature is 28 degrees F. The average summer daytime high temperature is 70 degrees F. The Town of Breckenridge is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado organized as a Home Rule Municipality with a Council-Manager form of government. The Towns' legislative authority is vested in an elected seven-member Town Council, which includes the Mayor. Town services are provided through various departments including Public Works, Finance and Administration, Recreation, Community Development and Engineering, and Police.