You’ll find Bailey tucked in Colorado’s South Platte Canyon, where it began as an 1864 stagecoach station before evolving into a bustling railroad hub. Today, this living ghost town showcases well-preserved frontier buildings, including the historic Bailey Country Store (now Sasquatch Outpost) and the iconic Glen-Isle Resort from 1901. Through McGraw Memorial Park and the restored Keystone Bridge, Bailey’s rich railroad and mining heritage remains remarkably accessible to modern explorers.
Key Takeaways
- Bailey, Colorado is not a ghost town but rather an active unincorporated community that originated as an 1864 stagecoach station.
- The town preserves its frontier heritage through McGraw Memorial Park, which features several restored historic buildings and landmarks.
- The historic Bailey Country Store, established in 1878, continues to operate today as the Sasquatch Outpost.
- Glen-Isle Resort, built in 1901, remains operational and represents the last surviving turn-of-the-century resort in South Platte Canyon.
- The historic Keystone Bridge and railroad remnants showcase Bailey’s importance as a former railroad junction during Colorado’s mining era.
From Stagecoach Stop to Railroad Hub: Bailey’s Early Years
When William and Ann Bailey established their ranch and stagecoach station in 1864, they laid the foundation for what would become an essential transportation hub in Colorado’s Platte Canyon.
Their strategic location along stagecoach routes between Denver and the South Park mining districts proved invaluable, as their hotel served countless travelers, prospectors, and settlers moving through the frontier.
You’ll find that Bailey’s economic changes mirrored the evolution of transportation itself.
Much like the ghost town sites that dot Park County today, Bailey emerged as a crucial waypoint for those seeking fortune in the mining regions.
When the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad arrived in the 1880s, the settlement shifted from a frontier outpost to a bustling junction for commerce.
The railroad transformed Bailey’s economy, enabling the efficient movement of ore, timber, and agricultural products while opening new opportunities in tourism and trade.
The area’s growth was further accelerated when the Colorado and Southern Railway began operations in 1889, expanding rail access to South Platte and Buffalo Creek.
The Legacy of Bailey Country Store and Historic Buildings
The Bailey Country Store stands as a cornerstone of local heritage since its establishment in 1878 by Edward and Blanche McGraw.
Originally constructed after they purchased land from William Bailey, this historic building has served multiple functions over the years, from a theater and hotel to a U.S. Post Office, making it an essential community hub for generations. In the mid-1950s, it operated as the main grocery store for area residents.
When you explore Bailey’s preserved landmarks today, you’ll find the store, now known as the Sasquatch Outpost, alongside other historic buildings in McGraw Memorial Park.
- Take seasonal tours of preserved structures at McGraw Memorial Park, established through Helen McGraw Tatum’s 1969 land donation
- Visit the Heritage Center, transformed from a storage annex into a space for historical presentations
- Discover the store building’s evolving roles, from its early days as Bailey’s first grocery to its current status as a Park County Historic Landmark
Railroad Glory Days and the Keystone Bridge Era
Standing as a symbol of Bailey’s railroad heritage, the Keystone Bridge exemplifies the town’s vibrant railroad era during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Built between 1865-1870, this rare wrought iron structure supported the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railway’s expansion through Colorado, connecting Bailey to essential trade networks and fostering local economic growth.
The bridge’s innovative engineering, featuring unique four-sectioned columns fastened by threaded bolts, represents the cutting-edge technology of America’s railroad expansion.
You’ll find this historic landmark, Colorado’s only surviving Keystone Bridge Company structure, preserved at McGraw Memorial Park since 1985.
After serving rail traffic until 1938, it was converted for highway use before being dismantled in 1977 and later reconstructed, preserving a significant piece of Bailey’s transportation history.
The Army Corps of Engineers meticulously reassembled the historic bridge in 1985, ensuring its architectural integrity remained intact for future generations.
Despite challenging conditions including snowstorms and rain, the 52nd Engineering Battalion completed the reconstruction project working six days per week.
Living History: Glen-Isle Resort and McGraw Memorial Park
Built in 1901 by five pioneering investors, Glen-Isle Resort emerged as a rustic Adirondack-style retreat along the Colorado & Southern Railroad line, marking Bailey’s shift into a tourist destination.
As trains brought the first leisure seekers to Bailey, Glen-Isle Resort pioneered mountain tourism with its rustic Adirondack charm.
You’ll find this National Register-listed property stands as the last surviving turn-of-the-century resort in South Platte Canyon. After the Tripp family’s 70-year stewardship ended in 2012, Mary Ruth and Greg Vincent purchased Glen-Isle in 2016, undertaking extensive historic preservation efforts to restore its original character. The lodge’s comprehensive renovation included a new asphalt-shingle roof that maintained its historic appearance while ensuring structural integrity. The owners have successfully restored 16 out of 19 cabins to their former glory.
- Experience authentic mountain traditions like chuckwagon dinners and campfire sing-alongs
- Stay in carefully preserved historic cabins featuring original lodgepole pine construction
- Explore the iconic three-story round tower and wide screened porches that define Glen Isle’s distinctive architecture
The Glen Isle restoration showcases how determined owners can balance modern comfort with historic integrity, keeping Bailey’s golden age of tourism alive.
Modern Ghost Town: Preserving Bailey’s Cultural Heritage
Despite the ravages of time, Bailey’s cultural heritage endures through dedicated preservation efforts led by the Park County Historical Society and local stewards.
You’ll find that while most of Park County’s original ghost towns have lost their wooden structures, Bailey maintains key historic landmarks like the McGraw-Bailey Country Store and one of the county’s oldest guest ranches.
Community involvement plays an essential role in addressing preservation challenges.
Like many towns during the Pikes Peak gold rush, Bailey emerged as settlers and prospectors pushed into the Colorado mountains in the late 1850s.
Scenic driving routes provide easy access to Bailey’s historic sites, unlike many remote ghost towns that require off-road vehicles.
The Ghost Town Club of Colorado and History Colorado provide additional support, working within state legal frameworks to balance public access with conservation.
Through the Historical Society’s meetings, newsletters, and interpretation programs, you can engage with Bailey’s past while helping protect its future.
While many sites now exist only as foundations, carefully preserved structures in places like McGraw Memorial Park keep Bailey’s heritage alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened to William Bailey After Selling His Ranch in 1878?
You won’t find clear records of William Bailey’s life after he sold his ranch in 1878, as historical documents don’t detail his activities, location, or ventures following this change.
How Many Residents Currently Live in Bailey Year-Round?
You’ll find around 8,000 to 9,900 year-round residents in Bailey today, with current population estimates showing about 3,795 households and steady residential trends in this active mountain community.
Were There Any Notable Crimes or Outlaws in Bailey’s History?
While your region saw countless frontier outlaws pass through, Bailey’s specific crime history is sparsely documented. You’ll find more notable outlaw activities centered in nearby mining towns during the 1800s.
What Native American Tribes Originally Inhabited the Bailey Area?
You’ll find that Ute tribes were the longest continuous inhabitants, while Arapaho joined later in the 1600s. Paleo-Indians first lived there 12,000 years ago, followed by various indigenous cultures.
Did Bailey Experience Any Significant Natural Disasters Throughout Its History?
You’ll find Mother Nature was relatively gentle with Bailey, as historical records don’t show any significant natural disasters directly impacting the town, despite its mountain location’s typical environmental challenges.
References
- https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/colorado-ghost-towns-their-past-present-and-future-in-the-rocky-mountains
- https://history.weld.gov/County-150/Weld-County-Towns/Ghost-Towns-in-Weld-County
- https://www.bailey-colorado.org/historic-bailey
- https://www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/bailey.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Colorado
- https://parkcountyhistoricalsociety.snappages.site/resources
- https://www.parkcountyco.gov/386/Bailey-Area
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UQFMsuZsxo
- https://southparkheritage.org/where-have-all-the-ghost-towns-gone-by-christie-wright/
- https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-ghost-towns
