Duncan, Colorado
Duncan, Colorado, Saguache County is a ghost town that once thrived during the mining boom in the late 19th century. In the scenic San Luis Valley, Duncan offers a glimpse into Colorado’s rich mining history and the inevitable decline of many such settlements. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Saguache County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 37.8742° N, 105.6200° W
Elevation: Approximately 8,000 feet (2,438 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MTZ)
Established: 1890
Disestablished: Early 1900s
Comments: Duncan was established as a mining town during the gold and silver rushes that characterized the late 1800s in Colorado.
Its proximity to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains made it an ideal location for prospectors seeking their fortunes. The town was named after John Duncan, a local prospector who played a significant role in its development.
Remains: Several structures from the town’s heyday still stand, including old cabins and mining equipment. These remnants provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine the daily life of Duncan’s former inhabitants.
Duncan, Colorado, was founded in 1874 when John Duncan found gold ore in a nearby river. Other prospectors soon settled around his cabin, and by 1890 a town was established. The town was plotted by John Duncan, lots were sold, gold mines promoted, homes were built, businesses established, even a newspaper, The Duncan Eagle.
At that point, he sold lots in town for $25 apiece. There was a post office at Duncan from November 21, 18922 to September 15, 1900. Mail came six days a week and served 250 residents of the area. A school district formed in 1893 to serve the community; the last classes were held in 1899.
Current Status: Duncan is classified as a ghost town. It is largely uninhabited, but its remains serve as a historical site for those interested in mining history and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Only one house remains: John Duncan’s cabin. The place, considered a ghost town, was on the Luis Maria Baca Grant No. 4 but is now within Rio Grande National Forest. In 2011, Duncan Cabin was renovated and can now be rented out to visitors.
Remarks: Today, Duncan is a quiet place that attracts history enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking solitude in the expansive landscapes of the San Luis Valley.
The town’s location offers stunning views of the nearby mountains and a sense of peace contrasting with its once bustling past. Visitors are encouraged to respect the site’s historical significance and preserve it for future generations.
In 1900, George Adams purchased the Luis Maria Baca Grant No. 4, which allowed him to claim property and mineral rights. This caused the settlers to be considered squatters, and after a Supreme Court battle, settlers were pushed off the land. Settlers were paid $125 for each structure.
Some of the residents of Duncan moved to a new townsite, just off the Grant property to the south, Liberty, Colorado.
