Saint Elmo, Colorado, Chaffee County is an enchanting ghost town nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Once a bustling mining hub, it now stands as a tribute to the vibrant history of the American West. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Chaffee County
Zip Code: 81236
Latitude / Longitude: 38.7083° N, 106.3439° W
Elevation: 9,961 feet (3,036 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1880
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but the decline began around the 1920s
Comments: Saint Elmo was founded as a mining town during the Colorado Silver Boom. At its peak, it was home to around 2,000 people and had several hotels, a telegraph office, a general store, and a school.
The town was originally named Forest City but was renamed to avoid confusion with another town in California. The town of Saint Elmo is a ghostly reminder that if you want to see something, there’s always an alternative.
Built-in 1878 by early settlers looking for solitude away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life on urbanized streetscapes nearby—as soon as it became necessary with enough houses (and hotels), this little community was incorporated into being called “Saint Elmo.”
It held onto its high moral character through years filled only with honest men living out their lives here without any vice until one day when the population exceeded 2000 people; all kinds came pouring in saloons & dance halls galore.
Remains: Many of the original wooden structures, including the general store, the town hall, and several homes, still stand. These buildings give visitors a glimpse into the past and are preserved as part of the town’s historical significance.
Current Status: Saint Elmo is considered one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Colorado. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors to its rich history and scenic beauty. The general store operates seasonally, offering souvenirs and refreshments to those exploring the area.
St. Elmo is considered a ghost town, though it still has inhabitants. Many tourists visit the former mining roads in order to take off-road vehicle trails that wind their way through its populated areas and past places where fishermen can cast lines into Chalk Creek with relative ease .
The general store remains open during summer when travelers may rent bikes or buy items from Buena Vista Heritage’s mercantile store – which will soon be rebuilding an old hall burned down by fire shortly after 2002.
Remarks: Saint Elmo’s picturesque mountain setting makes it a favored spot for photographers and history enthusiasts. The town is accessible year-round, although winter conditions may make travel challenging.
Preservation efforts by local organizations and volunteers have helped maintain the town’s structures, allowing future generations to experience a slice of Colorado’s mining past.
The town was first called Forest City, but once it reached 2000 people and had no saloons or dance halls, it changed its name.
It’s not really like other ghost towns because Saint Elmo doesn’t look like an antique doll house with its quaint little houses on stilts for easy access by those who live there; instead, you can see why this would be a good place if one wanted more privacy than say Main Street offers up while still enjoying all that downtown has offer.
All of the buildings in St Elmo are privately owned and well-preserved. A general store operates from May through October, and some modern vintage homes are nearby for those who want more than just an old ghost town aesthetic.
