Colorado Ghost Town Books/Maps
Ghost Town of Crystal Colorado
Crystal City was founded on the Crystal River in 1880. Most of the mining done near here was for silver. After the silver panic of 1893 the town's population steadily decreased. The last time this mill was operated was in 1916 when the towns population grew to 75. A change from a high of about 300 to 400 in 1886 and a low of 8 in 1915. Some claim the population was as high as 600 in 1883. Today you can still see old miner's buildings, this mill and other structures. Make sure you use a 4x4, or plan to walk the last four miles to get there.
If you are a history buff you should read Robert B. Houston Jr's books.
"The Battle over Silver; Porter Nelson in Aspen." and
"Two Colorado Odysseys: Chief Ouray Porter Nelson."
He was kind enough to share some interesting history on Crystal with me. At one time he was a 1/3 owner in the Sheep Mountain Mill in Crystal.
Here is the link to the old Power plant at Crystal. http://www.rockymountainprofiles.com/Crystal.htm
A viewer writes May 16th 2010 - hi i would like to tell you that Crystal Colorado is not a ghost town :) my family and i live there during the summers...stop in sometime to the crystal store... right next the old crystal club -Miranda
Rocky responds, - - Yes, I have visited the store and it is a wonderful place to visit and the people are friendly. I even bought a book there.
A viewer write - Sunday, July 11, 2010 - My son Aaron and I visited Crystal in July 2010 and found this to be one of the most wonderful experiences we have had in our may years of exploring Colorado. The residents of Crystal are the most friendly and thank you Deb for your hospitality and adopting us both. We will see you in the fall... Thanks again...Dave
GHOST Towns and Colorado Photos – Niwot Colorado