ROSITA

NAME: Rosita
COUNTY: Custer
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 7
CLIMATE: Cold winter with snow, cool summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Summer
COMMENTS: Near Rico.
REMAINS: A few buildings.
The town was founded in 1873 and two of the best mines were discovered the following year-the Pocahontas and Humboldt. Rosita, Spanish for Little Rose, was named for the many wild roses that grew in profusion here. The town hit its peak during the mid and late1870s when the population exceeded 2,000 persons. In addition to several hotels, the city had one of the largest breweries in the state, and a large cheese factory, which produced up to 250 pounds of cheese a day. Rosita was a social town. It was known for its many social organizations, which sponsored dances and other social events. Silver was the main ore from Rosita and when the mines began pinching out, people moved on to other locations. The city was a ghost by 1885. Although silent and empty today, some of its buildings remain in various states of ruin. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

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