Creede, Colorado, Mineral County is a ghost town with a rich history that captures the imagination. This once-thriving mining town now illustrates the ebbs and flows of fortune. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Mineral County
Zip Code: 81130
Latitude / Longitude: 37.8492° N, 106.9264° W
Elevation: 8,852 feet (2,698 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MTZ)
Established: 1892
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but declined significantly after the mining boom ended.
Comments: Creede, Colorado experienced its heyday in the late 19th century when silver was discovered in the area. It quickly grew into a bustling community, drawing miners and entrepreneurs seeking their fortunes.
The town was known for its lively atmosphere and noteworthy economic contributions during its peak. Creede was the last silver boom town in Colorado during its 19th-century height.
600 inhabitants grew to over 10,000 within just two years, from 1889 to 1891. Creed’s mines were active until 1985, served by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad.
It wasn’t always this way, as there had been other smaller mining camps like Jim Town, which also existed below along West Willow Creek near its junction point where Holy Moses Mine wielded preeminence among those sites vying for attention.
At one point, later becoming known locally, simply enough, under their original name, it was renamed after Nicholas C Creede, who discovered the Holy Moses Mine.
Remains: Creede retains much of its historic charm today, with several structures from its mining days still standing. The old mining buildings and remnants of the railroad are visible, offering a glimpse into its vibrant past.
The Creede Historical Museum preserves many artifacts and stories from the town’s heyday.
Current Status: Creede is not entirely abandoned; it now functions as a small town focusing on tourism. It has reinvented itself as a destination for visitors interested in history, outdoor activities, and the arts. The town has a thriving summer theatre scene and hosts various festivals yearly.
Remarks: Creede’s story is a classic example of the boom-and-bust cycle that characterized many mining towns in the American West. Its ability to adapt and rebrand itself as a tourist attraction has allowed it to survive long after the silver mines closed, offering a unique blend of history and contemporary culture for visitors.
The San Juan Mountains have played a critical role in developing the farming and ranching culture of Creede. The Rio Grande River, which flows through these mountains, with its headwaters near this city located at an elevation just over 5500 feet on Colorado’s Eastern slope, before continuing onward to New Mexico (some 180 miles downstream).
The San Juans are home to some amazing scenery, including lush green pines forested mountainsides covered by snow year-round while hot springs bubble up.
There are outlandishly beautiful gorges and deep canyons, richly veined marble bedrock rock formations, ancient forests, sacred Native American sites, protected wilderness areas, and wildlife you’ll never want to see any other way if you’re ever fortunate enough.
