Continuing on the Colorado Ghost Town theme.
Here’s a photo of an abandoned old store in St. Elmo, Colorado.
Much of the property in St. Elmo is privately owned and has been restored in excellent fashion. To the point that is is now practically a tourist trap. But, still worth the effort to visit.
The History of St. Elmo: A Colorado Ghost Town Frozen in Time
St. Elmo, nestled high in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in Chaffee County, Colorado, stands as one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the American West. Founded in 1880, this former mining town boomed with the discovery of gold and silver, boasting a peak population of nearly 2,000 residents. Today, St. Elmo offers a unique glimpse into the past, with dozens of original structures still standing as silent reminders of its vibrant history.
Initially settled in the 1870s, the area was officially founded as Forest City in 1880, coinciding with the influx of miners drawn by the promise of precious metals. However, due to a conflict with another town bearing the same name, the settlement was soon renamed St. Elmo, reportedly after a popular novel of the time. The establishment of a post office in 1880 solidified the town’s new identity.
The primary industry driving St. Elmo’s growth was mining, with the surrounding Chalk Creek Mining District yielding significant deposits of silver and gold. The most successful mine in the area was the Mary Murphy Mine, which alone produced over $60 million worth of gold. Other notable mines included the Teresa C, Molly, and Pioneer Mines.
During its heyday in the 1880s and 1890s, St. Elmo thrived as a bustling mining hub. The town’s population peaked around 1890, with estimates reaching as high as 2,000 residents. To support this growing community, St. Elmo featured a telegraph office, a general store, a town hall, five hotels, numerous saloons, dance halls, a newspaper office, and a schoolhouse. The Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad arrived in St. Elmo in December 1880, further boosting commerce and tourism.
However, St. Elmo’s prosperity was relatively short-lived. A devastating fire in 1890 destroyed much of the business district, leading many residents to leave. While the town experienced a brief resurgence with new mineral discoveries in the late 1890s, another fire in 1898 hampered its recovery. The mining industry in the area gradually declined, and the final blow came in 1922 when the railroad discontinued its service to St. Elmo. It is said that most of the remaining population rode the last train out of town and never returned. By the 1940s, only two full-time residents remained: siblings Annabelle and Tony Stark.
Today, St. Elmo stands as a remarkably well-preserved ghost town, attracting thousands of tourists annually. Visitors can wander along Main Street, exploring over 40 original structures, including the town hall (now a museum), the general store (which operates seasonally), and several historic homes. The town is privately owned, with some buildings serving as summer cabins or rental properties.
The Stark family played a significant role in St. Elmo’s later history. Anton and Anna Stark arrived in 1881 and became prominent figures, owning the Home Comfort Hotel and the general store. Their children, Tony, Roy, and Annabelle, remained in St. Elmo long after most residents had departed. Annabelle and Tony were the last full-time inhabitants, staying until the 1950s and acting as caretakers of the town.
St. Elmo is also known for local legends, particularly the tale of Annabelle “Dirty Annie” Stark. Known for her eccentric behavior in her later years, some believe her ghost still watches over the town, protecting it from vandals.
Visual records of St. Elmo’s past include historical maps and numerous photographs dating back to its boom days. These images offer a glimpse into the town’s architecture and the lives of its former residents.
In conclusion, the history of St. Elmo is a captivating story of a Colorado mining town that experienced rapid growth and decline. Its well-preserved state allows visitors to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a bygone era, making it a significant historical site and a popular destination for those interested in the Old West.
