Hensen was a rough, tough town. Shootings and mine accidents were frequent enough to keep eight doctors busy day and night. The first gold strikes were made in 1871 but little was done to develop the mines until after the Brunot Treaty with the Indians was signed in 1873. There were two major mines, the Ute-Ulay and the Hidden Treasure. These and other mines continued to produce for years, but the harsh winters and the growth of Lake City, only a short distance away, spelled the end of Hensen. Ruins of many of the cabins can be seen at the site, and a frame schoolhouse-once the pride and joy of Hensen-can still be seen. The elevation is around 12,000 feet. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.