Gothic, Colorado, Gunnison County is an enchanting ghost town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Once a bustling mining town, Gothic now stands as a tribute to the boom-and-bust cycles of the American West. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Gunnison County
Zip Code: 81224
Latitude / Longitude: 38.9586° N, 106.9867° W
Elevation: 9,482 feet (2,890 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1879
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but the population decreased significantly by 1893
Comments: Gothic was founded during the silver boom of the late 19th century. At its peak, the town had a population of around 1,000 people and various establishments, including saloons, hotels, and a newspaper.
The decline began after the silver crash of 1893, which led to the town’s largely abandonment. The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (aka RMBL – pronounced ‘rumble’) is a high-altitude biological field station near Crested Butte, in the West Elk Mountains in Colorado, United States.
The laboratory was founded in 1928 on the site of an abandoned mining town. Research areas include the region’s ecology, climate change, pollination biology, and a long-running study of the yellow-bellied marmot.
The laboratory offers courses for undergraduate students, including National Science Foundation-funded REU students, and provides support for researchers from universities and colleges.
Remains: Today, Gothic is home to a few remaining structures, including the Gothic Town Hall and other historical buildings. The town’s remnants provide a glimpse into its rich past, making it a point of interest for historians and tourists alike.
Current Status: Gothic is not completely abandoned; it is now the site of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), which conducts ecological research. The laboratory attracts scientists and students worldwide, adding a unique dimension to this ghost town.
Remarks: Gothic, Colorado, is a unique blend of history and modern scientific exploration. Its transformation from a mining town to a center for biological research exemplifies the adaptive reuse of ghost towns.
Visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty and historical importance, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in history and science.
