Russell Gulch, Colorado, Gilpin County is a fascinating ghost town with a rich history rooted in the mining boom of the late 19th century. Once a bustling community of fortune-seekers, today it stands as a quiet reminder of Colorado’s vibrant past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Gilpin County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 39.8019° N, 105.5175° W
Elevation: 9,150 feet (2,789 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1859
Disestablished: Not formally disestablished, but declined noticeably by the early 20th century
Comments: Russell Gulch was established during the Colorado Gold Rush when prospectors flocked to the area for gold. It thrived in the late 1800s with numerous mines, businesses, and a vibrant community.
However, as the gold deposits dwindled, so did the population, leading to its decline.
Remains: Today, Russell Gulch’s remnants include a few standing structures, such as old homes and mining buildings. Many foundations and ruins are scattered throughout the area, providing a glimpse into the town’s former prosperity.
William Greeneberry Russell, a miner from the goldfields of northern Georgia, had come to the vicinity of present-day Denver, then part of western Kansas Territory, in 1858 and, with his brothers, founded Auraria on the banks of the Cherry Creek River.
His discoveries led to what became the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. William Larimer founded another settlement on the opposite bank in early 1859. This settlement soon merged with Auraria and was named Denver after the territorial governor.
Russell discovered placer gold deposits in June 1859 in the valley that was soon named Russell Gulch in his honor.:20 By the end of September, 891 men were mining gold in the gulch, and the eponymous town was built near the head of the gulch to serve the miners.
Current Status: Russell Gulch is considered a ghost town with no active community. However, it attracts history enthusiasts, tourists, and photographers interested in exploring its past.
Remarks: While Russell Gulch no longer thrives as it once did, its legacy is preserved through its remaining stories and structures. The town is part of the larger historical narrative of the Colorado Gold Rush and serves as a sign of the enduring spirit of adventure and exploration.
