The story goes that the remaining residents grabbed the last train out of town and never returned. Stories of murders werent uncommon as well. If you love adventures, try exploring abandoned places in Colorado. portalId: "5317100", The picturesque Crystal Mill, which once served as a wooden powerhouse, is located just 7 miles southeast of Marble. The mine adjacent to the Argo tunnel would have been shut soon anywaythe Federal Government closed all gold mining operations to concentrate on metals that would help the war effort. Perhaps the creepiest abandoned place in Colorado is the old, What These Friends Discovered Abandoned In Colorado Is Mind-Blowingly Cool, 16 Abandoned Places In Colorado That Nature Is Reclaiming, Everyone In Colorado Should Visit This One Ghost Town, The Remnants Of This Abandoned Mill In Colorado Are Hauntingly Beautiful, The Story behind Colorados Abandoned Treasure Mountain Town Will Fascinate You, The Deadly Prison That Can Only Be Found Here In Colorado, Take A Thrilling Road Trip To The 5 Most Abandoned Places In Colorado, This Historic Colorado Building Is One Of The Last Of Its Kind In The Country. Como is a very small town, so seeing this architectural oddity puzzles many people who pass through right away. Your Guide to the Haunted Wilson Castle in Vermont, The Rare Albino Lobster Was Caught in Maine. Have you seen any of these abandoned places in Colorado in person? Of course, if you wanted to see this marvel it would cost you a small fee. We kick off our list of abandoned places in Colorado with the remnants of a century-old mining town. Location: Off Alpine Gulch Road in Boulder County, Colorado. Like most abandoned mining towns, Saint Elmos population left when the mining industry collapsed. (via Wikipedia) While all the other mines dried up around it, the Murphy Mine continued to operate until the railroad was abandoned in 1922. hide. In 1859, the town built a masonic lodge, which still meets today. In 1861 a massive fire ripped through the town and destroyed over 50 buildings and homes. Winfield Stratton fittingly named the site after the day he claimed it, July 4th. The Short Line Railroad ran trains along the route through the 1920s, and the tracks were finally removed in 1929 so they could be replaced with a traditional roadway. A sudden and precipitous drop in silver prices led to the silver crash of 1893, when many silver mines were idled or abandoned and roughly 9 in 10 miners in the area lost their livelihoods. The area is. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'urbexunderground_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-urbexunderground_com-banner-1-0');Charles commissioned a gold mill to help refine the gold ore directly on site. Like many mines out west, Independence Mine opened in 1891 during the gold in the midst of the great gold rush in the United States. Built in 1906, the historic Calhan Rock Island Railroad Depot is a modest one-story structure the once included a waiting room, ticket office, storage area for freight, and a coal-fired potbelly stove. Mining accidents were common and deadly. Location: off Airline Road in Arapahoe County, Colorado. We're Jason and Rae Miller the founders of, The Creepiest Abandoned Places in Colorado. The original settlers built and live in what they called Oro City just a few miles from present-day Leadville. (via Wikimedia), "A six-stall, stone roundhouse in Como, Colorado. 8. Some abandoned sites, including mines and old buildings, may harbor harmful chemicals, surfaces, or substances, so bring a mask, gloves, and any other necessary protective equipment to avoid contamination. The town was part of the Red Mountain Mining District that was formed in 1893. University of Colorado Boulder This, along with mismanagement, deadly mining accidents, and the Colorado Labor Wars caused the mine to lose laborers and eventually close after the ore was all gone. The mine struggled to remain in operation over the next decade. Location: 4 S Commercial St, Ramah, CO 80832. What Makes It Creepy: Like the Independence Mine, the Wall Street gold mine saw its fair share of displeasure. Today, the mine is not operational, though you can do tours of it and maybe catch a ghost or two! The site was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Here are the ten most haunted places in Colorado. The rich history of the West fills these barren places. Its in major need of repair, and just the sight of it conjures up stories of a haunted house. Four of these silos are located in Aurora, a suburb of Denver; the other two are located in Elizabeth and Deer Trail. The mill was abandoned in 1917 after the silver mine closed down. Everything you could possibly want to know about urban exploration and exploring abandoned places can be found at Killer Urbex. By 1910, most of the mining operations had ceased. The tunnel never reopened. Masks are also strongly recommended due to the presence of asbestos and other potentially toxic substances in the air underground. Discover abandoned places, shipwrecks, mansions, ghost towns, and everything in between near you. What Makes It Creepy: Whats scarier than exploring a tunnel that may flood or collapse on you? About: The Argo Tunnel, just under 5 miles long, used to provide access to the mines from 1893 to 1943. It is important when considering abandoned places in Colorado to know the basics of Colorado trespassing laws. Though it rarely gets more than a passing mentionif thatin the history books, the Ludlow Massacre remains one of the most violent and tragic events in the American labor movement. But alas, it is not. Unlike most mines during the gold and silver rush Climax was known for its massive deposits of molybdenum ore which are used in high-strength metal alloys. Suggestion Box Alumni Updates. What are the best snow tires for an Acura RDX? And of course, youd be exiting through the gift shop.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'urbexunderground_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-urbexunderground_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); In addition to the view, the Wonder View Tower also had a museum inside with numerous oddities such as an eight-legged pig, Native American weaponry, and a two-headed calf.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'urbexunderground_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-urbexunderground_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); The owner has been closed since 2014 after the passing of the owner. Pack snacks and water, just in case. The Rodeway does the trick for us. Located 30 miles east of Greeley, Dearfield was established in 1910 by Oliver T. Jackson, a Boulder businessman who dreamed of creating a colony for black folks who lived there at the time. Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. Charles Caryl, originally from New York, bought much of the land and changed the name to Wall Street. Though it ceased operating in 1917, the mill has been relatively well-maintained by several historic preservation groups and is one of the main attractions in the small town of Crystal. It is 30 miles east of Greeley. Before the town was established, the property was the site of Mining Camp Delphi in 1895. Eventually, the EPA named Valmont Butte to its list of the 10 most contaminated locations in the state. Which is your favorite? The website Only In Your State is a great resource when searching for local oddities or places to explore. Your email address will not be published. Visit a place in Boulder. What Makes It Creepy: Staring at the handful of abandoned buildings at the base of the West Elk Mountains is beautiful and a bit unsettling. Today, urban explorers can venture into the old wooden ruins and experience the beauty of both decay and rural Colorado. Today its another ghost town with a mining history. Or, bring a buddy to ensure you arent exploring any abandoned sites on your own. Saint Elmo is one of the most well preserved abandoned places in Colorado, and arguably one of the most popular ghost towns in the state. When investors purchased the Caribou Mine in 1871 for $3 million, they discovered the ore was gone. Eventually, newer technology replaced the Titan I and with the Cold War winding down the United States didnt need to flex as much firepower. . when a deadly accident closed the mine for good. 38-20-116-(2.5)(a) A Motor Vehicle Is Considered Abandoned On Public Property When: Left unattended on public property for a period of 48 hours or longer. Thank you! The mill shut down after taking a massive financial hit during the lengthy coal strike of 1903, and its next occupant was the notorious Ku Klux Klan, which leased the administrative wing of the building to house its local headquarters. Today, explorers can still find structures left behind and even visit the masonic lodge. Jerry keeps you safe with the best coverage, at the best price. Ramah is a sleepy little town, not quite a ghost town but on the cusp of becoming one. By 1921, nearly everyone was gone. Before setting off in search of Colorados abandoned sites, be smart and heed these tips ahead of any urban or rural adventuring: Check the ownership/regulations of the site you want to visit: Ask permission to enter, if necessary. Though the city has expressed a desire for the bridge to be completely removed, for now, the skeletal remains of the iron truss bridge are still haunting the space over the lazy brown waters of the creek. While the school hangs in the balance, this creates an opportunity for photographers to photography it and explore it, and explore it in its decayed state. The James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum is open from May through October on the third Saturday of the month. In its hay day it is estimated that Caribou was home to approximately 3,000 people. Dive in to start exploring! Get the latest news, guides and updates, straight to your inbox. With no electrical power or exposure to natural light, the tunnels and rooms inside the silo are pitch-black, so explorers will need to bring reliable light sources in order to navigate the treacherous passageways, many of which are covered in colorful graffiti. Boulder's 6 Most Haunted Locations . Recent Boulder Activity M mycasis . If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. (via Photographer Thomas Falkowski) Crystal Mill would likely be completely gone if it hadnt been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The building shows the weathered scares of its past. Nearly 1500 scientific publications come from RMBL each year. For more about obtaining permission to explore abandoned places in Colorado, check out our guide Explore Abandoned Buildings: How To Get Permission. What Makes It Creepy: Many consider abandoned mines some of the creepiest places in the country. Fortunately, discoveries of additional valuable minerals, including zinc, molybdenum and (at long last) gold, allowed the industry to survive for nearly a century beyond the silver boom that started it all. The remains of the Ludlow company town are still visible on the site about 125 miles south of Colorado Springs. The schools remain in excellent condition despite being vacant for all these years. More from Medium Mark Schaefer 20. The town was formed in 1882 when two prospectors left Leadville in search of silver. 42.32973, -83.08447Photo Credit: Larry Myhre flickr.com. }); We here at Killer Urbex have noted a distinct lack of guides to dead malls and zombie malls. 1. Abandoned 1. A fifth miner noticed the lights suddenly shut off and the impending sound of water rushing through the tunnelhe barely made it out alive. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'urbexunderground_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-urbexunderground_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');One of the most successful mines in the region called the Mary Murphy Mine extracted over $60,000,000 worth of gold during its time in operation. 3 collapsed and was never repaired. Founded in 1877, the town thrived on silver deposits in the area. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Its said that a single boulder net Stratton nearly $60,000, which was a ton back in the 1890s! Good luck getting in to investigate, though trespassing is frowned upon and the history of this place is as dark as any other medical place youll find. If you want to get lost. Of all the abandoned places in Colorado, Ironton is one of the most accessible as its right off the main highway. Ironton essentially died with him. Unlike most abandoned places in Colorado, Animas Forks wasnt first deserted due to a lack of mining. After his death in 1911, Goodell continued living in the mansion for another six years, until eventually selling it to Albert E. Humphreys in 1917. Boulder, Colorado The Architect's Daughter at First United Methodist . This unclaimed property consists of items such as: . It is one of Colorado's best preserved ghost towns." Boulder CO 80306. Near the mouth of Boulder Canyon and into downtown Boulder many mills have processed ore from mines in the surrounding mountains. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Centuries before the first white explorers set foot on Valmont Butte, the distinctive rock outcropping was celebrated as sacred space among the Native Americans living in the area that would eventually become the city of Boulder. The town host several history and mining museums, and is home to high altitude training areas where athletes test the limits of their body. The opposing forces traded bullets throughout the day, but when darkness fell that evening, the National Guard set a fire that quickly consumed the encampment. What Makes It Creepy: Similar stories fill the air in Ironton as they do at Independence Mine and Wall Street. Mind the weather, dress in layers, and be prepared for any sudden temperature changesespecially if youre exploring sites in the wilderness. The crime . While it may sound like a tall tale, it was confirmed that the tower was constructed on one of the highest points between New York and Denver. In order to move from building to building, residents had to dig tunnels out of the snow. You might not even realize whats sitting in your backyard. Before you send in the form, be sure you: Little is known about the drain, although it is believed to have been constructed in the 1990s. Its better to be safe than sorry! formId: "a9576402-3ef9-46a1-958d-d0c75d4b7bf6" But when the mines closed in 1900, residents left, and Nevadaville became another abandoned place in Colorado. Location: 4596-4400, Caribou Rd, Nederland, CO 80466. Over 1500 scientific publications have been based on work from the Laboratory (currently 30-50 per year)." Only ten short years later Stratton cashed out and sold the mine for $10 million to a company in London. When it comes to, Crystal Mill, 11520 Co Rd 3, Carbondale, CO 81623, USA, "Dearfield is a ghost town and a historically black majority settlement in Weld County, Colorado, United States. Just all urbex all the time. Caryl also operated a gold mill, and the foundations still stand today. This picturesque mill was built in 1893 to generate power for the Sheep Mountain Mining Company, which ran the silver mines in the area. hbspt.forms.create({ Luckily, we have developed a massive guide to trespassing laws in all 50 states. With the notable exception of Louisville, CO, the 62 public parks within Boulder and 104 parks in surrounding communities are open to metal detecting. Published on 10/15/2015 at 12:05 AM. Today the hotel is a favorite destination for both dignitaries and ghost hunters alike. Oro is Spanish for gold, but ironically there wasnt much gold to be found in that mine. You can visit Irontons ghostly remains todayit sits right off the gorgeous Million Dollar Highway, south of the town of, and had a saloon (of course), post office, general store, and hotel., Life in Animus Forks was hard. One in particular is a white 4-story building, if you go up the stairs outside and pear down the window on the door, it is reported that you can see and feel many war victims Set in Colorado Springs Bear Creek Regional Park, . After that, Jerry gets to work, comparing quotes sourced from more than. Your email address will not be published. 39.67443, -104.98452if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'urbexunderground_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-urbexunderground_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Rosedale Elementry was built in 1924 and ultimately closed due to financial troubles and low enrollment in 2005. 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