Abandoned Gold Mining Town: Independence, CO

In 1879, gold was discovered at 10,900 feet, near Independence Pass, and by 1882 there were 1,500 residents in Independence, CO.

But after $190,000 in ore was found, the yield stopped, and the bust plus the harsh climate (snow cover from October to May) reduced the population to 100 by 1888. In 1899 there was a terrible blizzard which cut off supply routes, and the remaining residents of Independence dismantled their homes to make 75 pairs of skis and ski down to Aspen to escape the bleakly snowy wasteland.

We visited the remains of this old abandoned mining town.
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