Silverton, Colorado, San Juan County is an enchanting ghost town nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Once a thriving mining hub, Silverton offers a glimpse into the rugged, adventurous spirit of the Old West. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: San Juan County
Zip Code: 81433
Latitude / Longitude: 37.8114° N, 107.6645° W
Elevation: Approximately 9,318 feet (2,840 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1874
Disestablished: Not applicable; Silverton is still inhabited but retains its historical charm as a semi-ghost town.
Comments: Silverton was founded during the Colorado Silver Boom and quickly became a bustling mining town. Its location in the San Juan Mountains made it a strategic silver and gold extraction site.
Over the years, the town has experienced various economic shifts, especially after mining activities declined in the early 20th century. Today, Silverton is known for its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, which attract tourists and history enthusiasts.
The town’s history is rich and diverse, dating back to 1860. The first mining claims were made near Silverton in a remote part of the San Juan Mountains where gold Rush fever had not yet died down but continued into Colorado’s mining era.
Which lasted until 1893 when silver prices crashed due largely at fault for this economic collapse was found among those who mined here–the Utes Indians after whom it takes its name “Ute Town” or simply “The Mines”.
In 1907, another boomtown moment came as more people flocked towards these mineral-rich hills following an economy depressed only slightly less severe than what would happen.
Remains: Many of Silverton’s original structures have been preserved. The town’s historic district features numerous buildings from the late 1800s, including the iconic Grand Imperial Hotel and the Silverton City Hall. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad also remains a significant attraction, offering scenic train rides through the mountains.
Current Status: Silverton is classified as a semi-ghost town. While it retains its historical architecture and atmosphere, it still has a small population and is a tourist destination. The town has embraced its heritage, and many businesses cater to visitors seeking to explore the area’s historical and natural beauty.
Silverton has a rich mining history that is still felt in the town. The last operating mine closed over twenty years ago, but it’s not hard for visitors to see why people once lived there. Silverton offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking through nature preserves or across open land with breathtaking views up high on topographic mountainsides. According to 2010 U.S. Census figures, the population reached 637 people.
Remarks: Silverton’s unique blend of history and natural beauty makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the American West. The town’s commitment to preserving its past and stunning mountain surroundings offers a sense of freedom and adventure that continues to draw visitors year-round.
Whether exploring its historic streets or venturing on outdoor adventures, Silverton provides an enchanting experience for all who visit.
Notable Disasters – The area surrounding Silverton has been the scene of several well-documented disasters, many of them due to avalanches and mining accidents.
1906 Avalanches
The Sunnyside Mine is one of the most dangerous in Colorado’s history. Only a few months after twelve miners were killed at the neighboring Shenandoah mine, Five more went down with their lives on January 1906 when they became trapped by an unstoppable landslide from above ground that just wouldn’t let go until everything was gone.
Lake Emma Disaster
On 4 June 1978, the water from Lake Emma clogged up and caused a collapse into Sunnyside mine. Fortunately for everyone else, no one was in attendance, so nobody got hurt.
Gold King Mine disaster
The EPA’s negligence in 2015 caused the environmental apocalypse when they accidentally destroyed a plug holding water trapped inside Gold King Mine. This led to three million US gallons (eleven thousand cubic meters) of mine waste and tailings flowing into the tributary Animas River.
1918 influenza pandemic
The Spanish flu arrived in Silverton near the end of October 1918 and quickly devastated the community. In a single week, more than 5% of the town’s population perished. By March 1st, 1919, 246 people had died, accounting for 10%. This gave this small Nevada mining town the ignominious title of having the highest mortality rate during the Great Influenza Pandemic that swept America at that time.
