Columbine was established in 1881 to provide housing and provisions for the nearby miners at Hahns Peak.

James R. Caron emigrated from Canada to Columbine with his wife Martha in 1896. He constructed a post office, then purchased an existing store and moved its contents into his new Columbine Mercantile building in 1898. He served as Columbine’s postmaster, justice of the peace, and coroner for 31 years.

Columbine functioned as both a major way stop and a destination for visitors in the late 19th century. Miners, loggers, freight drivers, cattlemen, and sheepmen came through for provisions, mail, a hot meal, temporary lodging, and camaraderie. Recreational activities became popular as mining diminished, and Columbine attracted fishermen, hunters, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The first cabin built specifically for tourism was the Honeymoon cabin built in 1939.