Independence - Colorado Ghost Town

INDEPENDENCE

NAME: Independence
COUNTY: Pitkin
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 5
CLIMATE: Cold Winter, mild summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Summer

COMMENTS: Highway actually goes through the site - check to see if the pass is open.
REMAINS: Many buildings and structures - a great site to visit.

At over 10,900 feet, this town couldn't last long. Snow from October through May would make sure of it. The Independence lode was discovered on July 4, 1879 and soon after a town of 300 sprang up. By 1882, there were 1500 residents and over 40 businesses. Known by other names also, Chipeta, Mammouth City, Mount Hope, Farwell and Sparkill, Independence only produced about $190,000 in ore and was a ghost town by 1890. Nearby Aspen attracted the people and became the county seat. Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence Courtesy Dolores Steele Independence Courtesy Dolores Steele Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence Courtesy Mike Woodfin Independence Courtesy James Drake	Independence Courtesy Dolores Steele Independence Courtesy Dolores Steele Independence Courtesy Dolores Steele Independence Courtesy Dolores Steele Independence Courtesy Dolores Steele Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence - July,1999 Todd Underwood Independence Courtesy Mike Woodfin Independence Courtesy Mike Woodfin Independence Courtesy Mike Woodfin Independence Courtesy Mike Woodfin

At over 10,900 feet, this town couldn't last long. Snow from October through May would make sure of it. The Independence lode was discovered on July 4, 1879 and soon after a town of 300 sprang up. By 1882, there were 1500 residents and over 40 businesses. Known by other names also, Chipeta, Mammouth City, Mount Hope, Farwell and Sparkill, Independence only produced about $190,000 in ore and was a ghost town by 1890. Nearby Aspen attracted the people and became the county seat.

Independence - July,1999
Todd Underwood