Independence Colorado Ghost Town

Independence Ghost Town was a booming mining town of the 1880s. Located at over 10,900 feet, this town had no great future, as the winters were too difficult at this high of altitude. But as with most Colorado high mountain towns, the mining brought investors, quick growth, and just as quickly – a bust.

The first town in Aspen County was discovered on Independence Day, July 4, 1879. Legend has it that prospectors found a lode mine and named it Independence, located at 10,900 feet. A tent city sprung up that summer, and by 1880 there were 300 people living in the camp.

By 1882, the Town of Independence had over 40 businesses with three post offices and an estimated population of 1,500. Typical of mining boomtowns, the bust soon followed. Miners were lured away from Independence by the abundant work, good pay and milder climate of Aspen.

Although mining at Independence proved to be short lived, over $190,000 worth of gold was produced between 1881 and 1882. In 1883 the production dropped to $2,000. By 1888, only 100 citizens remained in the high mountain town.

During the winter of 1899 the worst storm in Colorado's history cut off the supply routes to Independence. The remaining miners, who were running out of food, proceeded to dismantle their homes to make 75 pairs of skis and escape en masse to Aspen. The Town of Independence became a Ghost Town.