Poudre City, Colorado, Larimer County is a ghost town that once thrived in the scenic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. Nestled near the Poudre River, this town has an intriguing history that captivates those interested in the stories of the Old West. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Larimer County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 40.6906° N, 105.4828° W
Elevation: Approximately 5,840 feet (1,780 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: 1890s
Disestablished: 1920s
Comments: Poudre City was established during the late 19th-century gold mining boom. The town was strategically located near the Poudre River, which provided essential water resources for mining operations.
However, as the gold resources were rapidly depleted, the population dwindled, eventually abandoning it.
Remains: Today, only a few remnants of Poudre City are visible. Some foundations and scattered debris hint at the town’s former existence. The site is now mostly overgrown with vegetation, making it a serene yet eerie place to explore.
In the late 1800s, it was suspected that there was gold in Larimer County and in the hills of the Poudre Canyon, and many prospectors moved to the area. John Zimmerman built a 5 stamp gold reducing stamp mill in 1890 to process the ore being brought out of the area.
A saloon, general store, hotel, and houses sprouted around the mill. Shortly after the mill’s construction, it was determined that the ore bore very little gold, and Zimmerman sold it to pursue other endeavors in the area.
Current Status: Poudre City is largely uninhabited and considered a ghost town. It is accessible to those who wish to visit, though it is recommended to do so with caution due to its remote location and the potential for encountering wildlife.
Remarks: Poudre City reminds us of the transient nature of mining towns in the American West. While it may not have the grand structures of some larger ghost towns, it offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
Its proximity to the Poudre River makes it a picturesque spot for those interested in history and nature.
In 1891, Zimmerman inspected the dam at Chamber’s Lake and determined it was severely undersized and likely to give way. He had corresponded with the Larimer County Ditch Company, the lake’s owner, and even had hosted the company’s Chief Engineer, William Rist, but the dam was not corrected.
On the morning of June 10, 1891, the dam gave way. Poudre City, being on the banks of the Poudre River and directly downstream of Chamber’s Lake, was very vulnerable. Zimmerman had been out working the fields some 3 1/2 miles upstream that morning and heard the tell-tale sounds of water rushing down the canyon.
He rode into town to warn the residents to move to higher ground. The floodwaters destroyed the entire town and left nothing behind save for the chimney of the stamp mill, which survives to this day.
