Animas Forks, Colorado, San Juan County is a enchanting ghost town nestled in the picturesque San Juan Mountains. Once a bustling mining community, it now stands as a tribute to the resilient spirit of the American West. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: San Juan County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 37.9314° N, 107.5862° W
Elevation: 11,200 feet above sea level
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT)
Established: 1873
Disestablished: 1920
Comments: Animas Forks began as a mining camp in the early 1870s. Its remote location and harsh weather conditions made life challenging for its residents. The town experienced a boom in the late 19th century with the discovery of rich silver deposits, leading to rapid growth and development.
At its peak, Animas Forks boasted a population of around 450 people, a post office, and several businesses. However, as the silver market declined and resources were exhausted, the town’s population dwindled.
Remains: Several original structures from the town’s heyday remain standing, providing a glimpse into its past. Notable buildings include the Duncan House, a two-story frame house, and remnants of the old jail and general store.
The Animas Forks ghost town is well-preserved and provides a fascinating insight into Colorado’s mining history. The town’s first log cabin was built in 1873, and by 1876, the community had become a bustling mining community. At that time, the town contained 30 cabins, a hotel, a general store, a saloon, and a post office.
By 1883, 450 people lived in Animas Forks. In 1882, a newspaper, the Animas Forks Pioneer, began publication and lasted until October 1886. Every fall, the residents of Animas Forks migrated en masse to the warmer town of Silverton.
In 1884, a 23-day blizzard inundated the town with 25 feet (7.6 m) of snow. The residents had to dig tunnels to move from building to building. Mining, speculation, and processing mills helped Animas Forks grow.
Current Status: Animas Forks is a preserved ghost town and a popular tourist destination. It is accessible via a scenic drive from Silverton, Colorado, and is part of the Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway.
The Bureau of Land Management maintains the site and features interpretive signs that offer historical context for visitors. The site continues as a tourist attraction. A Colorado State Historical Fund grant to San Juan County, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, provided for the stabilization of the remaining structures in 1997 and 1998.
The nine standing buildings within the townsite have been stabilized and restored, and floors, walls, windows, and doors have been repaired to secure the envelope of each building.
Cedar shingle roof sheathing has been restored on several buildings, along with structural repairs and improvements to the drainage around the structures and across the site. The jail structure, the oldest building on the site, has had its gable roof reconstructed as part of the project’s second phase, along with new interpretive signage installed in 2014.
Remarks: Animas Forks vividly recalls the boom-and-bust cycles that characterized many mining towns in the American West. Its rugged beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
The journey to Animas Forks is an adventure, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and an opportunity to explore the remains of a once-thriving community.
