Independence Ghost Town
Independence was the first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley where, legend has it, prospectors discovered the Independence Gold Lode on July 4, 1879. Interpretive signs and trails tell of the characters, enterprises, and structures that make it an integral part of area history. Located just below the Continental Divide, the ghost town is a “don’t-miss stop” on Independence Pass along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway.
Site History
Prospectors discovered gold at Independence sometime around July 4, 1879, giving the town its name. A tent city sprang up and, by the summer of 1880, residents were constructing log cabins and opening businesses to serve the new mining camp. Building a town at 10,900’ above sea level was challenging. Constant cold, fierce storms, and isolation conspired to make life arduous. Initially, Independence proved to be worth the effort.
By 1882, Independence had a population of roughly 1,000 people working in the mines and the Farwell Gold Mill, for freight or stage outfits, or for one of the 40 businesses that lined Aspen Avenue. But the boom was about to bust. Gold veins were only shallow deposits that were quickly exhausted. Over $190,000 of gold was produced in 1881 and 1882, but by August 1882 the mines and mill were closed.
During its short life, Independence was known by many names: Farwell, Chipeta City, Sparkhill, Mammoth Mountain, and Mt. Hope. Different groups attempted to gain control of the camp to sell town lots, but the name Independence endured.
Prospectors searched in vain over the next several decades for one more mother lode but never found another gold deposit. Miners packed up and moved to other gold strikes or down to Aspen, which was growing quickly due to large silver deposits. By 1888, Aspen had approximately 7,000 residents, while fewer than 100 citizens remained in Independence.
The end finally came in the winter of 1899, when record snowfall blanketed Colorado. Supply routes were cut off and food ran out. Residents used long planks of wood to make 75 pairs of skis, escaping en masse to Aspen. They made light of their adventure by making it a ski race – entry fee: one ham sandwich.
Location
16 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, just below the summit of Independence Pass
Dogs are not permitted in the ghost town
Hours
Self-guided and honor-system admission
Admission
$5/adult suggested donation Children 18 and under free (must be accompanied by an adult) Free for active military personnel
Honor system admission box located at trail entrance
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