Ghost Towns of the Colorado Prairies

- What is the official definition of a ghost town?
- Can I visit a ghost town?
- How can I tell the difference between public and private property?
- What about treasure hunting?
- If these towns are abandoned can't I claim one?
- Can I purchase a ghost town?
- How were these towns born, and what was it that killed them?
- Why are ghost towns not being saved?
- How many ghost towns are there in Colorado?
- What is Colorado's biggest ghost town?
- What is the world's most impressive ghost town?
- Where can I read more about Colorado's prairie ghost towns?

What is the official definition of a ghost town?

Definitions differ depending on who you talk to. The definition of a true ghost town,
according to the High Plains Ghost Town Preservation Project, is any community that
once had a significant population that has now been reduced to (or near) zero, as
well as services that have been discontinued. Remaining evidence of the community is
of no importance. We also include towns that were platted but didn't attract any
activity as simple ghost towns.

Can I visit a ghost town?

Like any historic site in the United States, visitors are welcome to visit any place of
interest as long as the site lies on public property and is publicly accessible. Gaining
access to private property without getting permission is a crime. If interested in hiring
a guide for a ghost town tour, please contact us.

How can I tell the difference between public and private property?

Many ghost towns in the United States are accessible by state and county roads,
which by law are public routes. However, property on either side of the road's
right-of-way may be private.

What about treasure hunting?

Relic hunters have stripped many ghost towns in eastern Colorado clean, the result of
which being local resentment towards visitors. Remember, taking an item from
neglected property is no different than stealing your neighbor's mailbox while he's on
vacation.

If these towns are abandoned can't I claim one?

No. Although the entity known as a town may no longer function, the property
encompassing the site is usually privately held by a serious of individuals who may be
the descendents of original lot holders, or by a single person/ranch that has
consolidated the land.

Can I purchase a ghost town?

Yes, on occasion. There have been times when properties encompassing old town
sites have been put up for sale or auction. Entire town sites with intact buildings for
sale are becoming rare, however.

How were these towns born, and what was it that killed them?

Check out the Making Ghost Towns link for more information on this.

Why are ghost towns not being saved?

Requirements to have a site declared "historic" by authorities are too stringent for
many of Colorado's ghost towns. Vandals, natural elements, and some unconcerned
property owners are also at fault. The High Plains Ghost Town Preservation Project
was created as a means of defense for such sites by using education and
memorializing.

How many ghost towns are there in Colorado?

Hundreds, most of which exist in a Class I or Class II state. See the Gauging Ghost
Towns link for more information on this.

What is Colorado's biggest ghost town?

That depends on your definition of "biggest." If existing structures is what you mean,
than a town called Gilman probably had 100 buildings still standing as of 2005. The
reason for its preservation is because the town was only recently abandoned and
because it is a company town privately owned. If your meaning "biggest" relates to
population, then Camp Amache that once had nearly 8,000 residents easily qualifies,
though no buildings remain.

What is the world's most impressive ghost town?

Speaking in contemporary terms, and as a matter of opinion, the most impressive
ghost town is Pripyat in Ukraine, which is really more of a ghost city complete with
high-rise apartments and an amusement park. Pripyat once had a population of
50,000 and was abandoned after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

Where can I read more about Colorado's prairie ghost towns?

Dozens of books have been written about Colorado's mining camps and can be
found in libraries and book stores. Books on agricultural ghost towns of the plains
are much rarer. Check out the book Fading Echoes: Ghost Towns of the Colorado
Prairies for recent information on prairie ghost towns.