By Kristy McCaffrey
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| Animas Forks |
Animas Forks is a mining ghost town is southwestern
Colorado, nestled in the San Juan Mountains 12 miles northeast of Silverton. It
sits at an elevation of 11,200 feet, at the junction of three forks of the Animas
River.
Established in 1873, it became a booming community by 1876
with approximately 30 cabins, a hotel, a saloon, a general store, assay
offices, a boarding house, and a post office. The town’s growth was fueled by
the mining of galena and silver-bearing gray copper, along with speculation and
processing mills.
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| Animas Forks, 1878 |
While most residents moved to Silverton for the winter, a
few hardy residents remained year-round, including several wives and their
children. Many homes had connected outhouses, with a covered hallway leading
from the home to the privy. In 1884, a 23-day blizzard overwhelmed the town
with 25 feet of snow. The residents had to dig tunnels to get from building to
building. The town also became isolated at times when avalanches in the passes
would cut off supply routes. The narrow canyon produced avalanches that slid
down one side and up the other.
By 1891, the town had begun to decline. Today, it’s located
on a popular driving route called the Alpine Loop. Four-wheel drive is
recommended, although you can get as far as Animas Forks with a two-wheel drive
vehicle. Many of the buildings have been restored and are open to the public.
Animas Forks is one of the most visited ghost towns in
Colorado.
A few photos from my visit to the area two years ago.
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This short novella takes place in the Silverton/Animas Forks area.
Available at Amazon and in the Kindle Unlimited Program.
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