One of my favorite ghost towns in Colorado. On the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Red Mountain Pass.
Ironton is a ghost town located in Ouray County, Colorado, approximately 3 miles south of the town of Ouray. The town was founded in the late 1800s and was initially established as a mining camp for silver and other minerals.
The History of Ironton: A Colorado Ghost Town’s Rise and Fall
Ironton, a now-abandoned settlement nestled in Ouray County, Colorado, south of the present-day town of Ouray, stands as a compelling testament to the volatile history of mining in the American West. Situated along the route now known as the Million Dollar Highway, Ironton was once a bustling community within the prolific Red Mountain Mining District. This report will delve into the history of Ironton, examining its origins, the industries that fueled its growth, the significant events that shaped its trajectory, the reasons for its eventual decline, its current state, the notable individuals associated with it, and the visual records that document its past.
The genesis of Ironton can be traced back to 1883, a year consistently cited across multiple historical accounts. While some sources offer slightly different dates, such as 1893 or 1884 , the preponderance of evidence points to 1883 as the year of its founding. Initially, the settlement was known as “Copper Glen,” a name derived from the early prospecting activities in the area that revealed deposits of gold, silver, lead, and copper. However, the name proved short-lived. By 1884, the town’s moniker had changed to “Ironton,” a reflection of the low-grade iron ore found in the vicinity and the characteristic rust color that permeated the landscape. This name was officially adopted when the post office was established in the burgeoning community. The formal platting of Ironton occurred on March 20, 1884, marking an important step in its development from a scattered collection of prospectors’ dwellings to a more organized settlement. From its inception, Ironton served as a crucial supply point for the numerous mines that dotted the Red Mountain Mining District, a role that would significantly shape its early growth and character. The allure of mineral wealth spurred a rapid influx of people, resulting in the remarkably swift construction of over one hundred buildings within a short timeframe, with some accounts noting as many as 300 structures erected in just three weeks. This rapid development underscores the optimistic and energetic atmosphere that typically characterized mining boomtowns in the late 19th century.
The primary engine driving Ironton’s initial prosperity was the rich bounty of silver and lead discovered in the Red Mountain Mining District. Prospectors in 1879 and 1881 unearthed significant deposits, most notably the Yankee Girl and Guston Mines, largely credited to the efforts of John Robinson. These discoveries ignited a full-fledged mining boom in the region, attracting a wave of fortune seekers and the businesses that catered to their needs. The promise of wealth emanating from the surrounding mountains fueled the establishment and rapid growth of Ironton, which became a central hub for the mining operations. Numerous mines dotted the landscape around Ironton, including the Silver Belle Mine, which alone yielded over a million dollars’ worth of silver, demonstrating the substantial economic activity that underpinned the town’s early years. The initial wealth of Ironton was directly tied to the extraction and processing of these valuable silver and lead ores.
Ironton’s strategic geographical location played a pivotal role in its development, transforming it into a vital transportation hub for the Red Mountain Mining District. Initially, the rugged terrain necessitated the use of pack trains, composed of sturdy mules and burros, to ferry essential supplies to the high-altitude mines and to transport the extracted ore back down to Ironton for further shipment. These pack animals carried a diverse range of goods, from lumber and piping to provisions and even the occasional coffin, highlighting the comprehensive support Ironton provided to the remote mining camps. A significant development in facilitating transportation was the construction of a toll road connecting Ouray to the north with Silverton to the south. This route, now a renowned scenic byway known as the Million Dollar Highway, was crucial for Ironton’s accessibility. Otto Mears, a prominent figure in Colorado’s transportation history, played a critical role in the completion of this vital road in 1884, overcoming earlier financial challenges faced by the Ouray and San Juan Wagon Road Company. The improved road significantly eased the movement of both supplies and ore, further cementing Ironton’s importance. The arrival of the Silverton Railroad in 1889, a narrow-gauge line also backed by Otto Mears, marked another transformative moment for Ironton. Two trains arrived daily from Silverton, providing a more efficient and cost-effective means of transporting large quantities of ore. To accommodate the railroad, the Ironton Depot was constructed in 1889 at a cost of $2,500, signifying the town’s commitment to this new mode of transport. A unique feature of Ironton’s railway infrastructure was the covered turntable built to allow trains to reverse direction without the need for extensive maneuvering. This covered structure was particularly important in the harsh winter climate, preventing heavy snowfall from disrupting train schedules. The development of these transportation networks was fundamental to Ironton’s success, enabling the efficient operation of the mines and the sustenance of a growing community.
Ironton experienced its most prosperous period around 1890, with its population reaching an estimated peak of over 1000 residents. While some accounts cite a lower figure of 323 or over 300 , the higher estimates likely reflect the bustling activity and possibly seasonal influx of miners during the peak of operations. By this time, Ironton boasted a variety of businesses catering to the needs of its residents, including hotels, numerous saloons (with one account mentioning up to twelve), restaurants (at least four), and several mercantile stores, some of which were branches of established businesses in the larger towns of Ouray and Silverton. Indicative of a developing community, Ironton also had a schoolhouse and two churches by 1890, suggesting a degree of social infrastructure beyond the purely economic pursuits of mining. Compared to some of the more raucous mining settlements in the region, such as nearby Red Mountain Town, Ironton was considered to be a relatively orderly and “tame” community.
The fortunes of Ironton took a significant turn in 1893 with the onset of the Silver Panic. The United States government’s decision to demonetize silver caused a dramatic collapse in silver prices, rendering many silver mines across the West, including those around Ironton, unprofitable. This economic downturn led to the closure of numerous mines in the Red Mountain Mining District, directly impacting Ironton’s primary source of wealth and employment. The severity of the crisis was further underscored by the Silverton Railroad’s decision to withdraw its services from Ironton by 1897, relocating to the nearby Red Mountain Town, signaling a significant loss of infrastructure and connectivity for Ironton. However, Ironton experienced a resurgence of mining activity in 1898 with the discovery of gold in the same geological formations that had previously yielded silver. This discovery led to the reopening of several mines, including prominent ones like the Yankee Girl and Colorado Boy, which began to produce significant quantities of gold, providing a much-needed economic boost to the struggling town. Despite this revival, mining at deeper levels presented new challenges, such as the encounter with underground water containing high concentrations of sulfuric acid, which caused corrosion and damage to mining equipment. Pumping this corrosive water out of the mines proved to be an expensive undertaking, hindering further mining operations in waterlogged areas. Efforts were made to sustain mining activities in the early 20th century. The Barstow Mine, for instance, continued to operate until 1917, providing employment for many Ironton residents and producing an estimated $750,000 worth of ore during its lifespan. Additionally, the ambitious Joker Tunnel project, initiated in 1904, aimed to drain water from several key mines in the district. By 1907, this tunnel had extended nearly a mile and intersected mine workings 600 feet below the surface, temporarily improving mining conditions and allowing ore production to continue until the tunnel’s closure in 1914.
Despite the temporary reprieve offered by gold mining and the efforts to overcome geological challenges, Ironton’s population began a gradual decline after its initial boom. By 1910, the number of residents had dwindled to a mere 48. This decline accelerated in the following decade. A significant blow to the community was the closure of the Ironton post office on August 2, 1920, a vital service that often signifies a town’s viability. The following year, in 1921, all railroad operations to Ironton ceased, further isolating the town and hindering the transport of any remaining ore or supplies. The closure of the Barstow smelter in 1922 marked another significant loss of economic infrastructure. Over time, the harsh climate of the high San Juan Mountains, characterized by heavy snowfall, coupled with several fires, took a toll on the town’s buildings, leading to the collapse of many structures. The last individuals to call Ironton home were the brothers Harry and Milton Larson. Harry passed away in the 1940s, but Milton remained in the increasingly deserted town until his death in the mid-1960s. With Milton’s passing, Ironton officially became a ghost town, a silent relic of a bygone era. While some mines in the broader area were later consolidated and sporadically operated by the Idarado Mining Company until 1978, this renewed activity did not lead to the revival of Ironton itself.
Today, Ironton stands as a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts, a tangible reminder of Colorado’s rich mining heritage, easily accessible from the Million Dollar Highway. The land on which the townsite sits is now primarily owned by the U.S. Forest Service and Ouray County, ensuring its preservation as public land. The Ouray County Historical Society actively works to preserve what remains of Ironton’s history, recognizing its significance to the region. Visitors to Ironton can still observe the remnants of approximately a dozen structures, most of which are located at the southern end of the original townsite. These include the distinctive “White House,” easily recognizable by its bay windows, the former mine superintendent’s house, the stabilized Colorado Boy Hoist House, and the ruins of the Albany/Saratoga Mine smelter. On the east side of Highway 550, the stone garage constructed around 1950 by the Saint Germain Foundation still stands, along with the concrete foundations of a two-story ski lodge that was destroyed by fire in 1952, representing a later, non-mining chapter in Ironton’s history. Scattered throughout the overgrown townsite, one can also find more modest remnants, such as an outhouse and the decaying remains of old mattresses and beds, offering glimpses into the everyday lives of Ironton’s former residents. Trails now wind through the trees, effectively repurposing the old pathways and streets of the abandoned town. In the winter months, the area around Ironton becomes a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to the silent landscape. Recognizing the inherent dangers of abandoned mine workings, ongoing efforts are being made to close these openings for public safety.
Several notable figures played significant roles in the history of Ironton. John Robinson stands out for his pivotal discovery of the rich Yankee Girl and Guston Mines in 1881, an event that directly triggered the mining boom and the subsequent establishment of Ironton. Otto Mears‘ contributions to the development of transportation infrastructure were indispensable to Ironton’s growth. His efforts in completing the toll road and establishing the Silverton Railroad provided the vital links necessary for the efficient operation of the mines and the sustenance of the community. The Larson family, particularly the brothers Harry and Milton, hold a special place in Ironton’s history as its last inhabitants. Milton Larson, in particular, became a well-known figure, living alone in the abandoned town until his death in the mid-1960s and even appearing on the television show “I’ve Got A Secret,” solidifying his status as a symbol of Ironton’s final chapter. The Saint Germain Foundation also represents a notable, albeit brief, episode in Ironton’s history with their establishment of a religious retreat in the area, although their presence ended with the destruction of their lodge by fire. These individuals and groups, through their actions and presence, significantly shaped the trajectory of Ironton’s history.
As a former mining boomtown that ultimately became a ghost town, Ironton is a likely subject of local legends and folklore. While the provided research material does not explicitly detail specific ghost stories or legends of Ironton, its very status as an abandoned settlement in a historically rich and often dramatic landscape makes it conducive to such tales. The presence of arsenic in the wallpaper of some of the old houses, a common feature in that era and a known health hazard, might have contributed to local lore or cautionary tales. Similarly, the story of Milton Larson, the last solitary resident, could have easily become embellished over time, adding to the mystique of the abandoned town. The unusual episode of the failed ski resort and the subsequent fire at the Saint Germain retreat also offer potential fodder for local stories and legends. While specific narratives are not present in the provided snippets, the historical context strongly suggests the existence of such folklore, which might be uncovered through further local research.
Visual documentation of Ironton’s past exists in the form of historical maps and photographs. An 1891 map illustrates the extension of the Silverton Railroad to Ironton, highlighting the town’s importance in the regional transportation network. Furthermore, various USGS topographic maps from different eras, such as 1955 and 2019, provide cartographic details of the area. The U.S. Forest Service also has topographic maps available. The University of Colorado Boulder maintains a collection of Colorado historical maps, which might include maps of Ironton. Historical photographs offer a more direct glimpse into the town’s appearance and life during its active years. The Denver Public Library is mentioned as a potential source of such images. Websites like ColoradoPast.com host galleries of historical photographs of Ironton. Platforms such as Pinterest also contain historical images related to Ironton , and Western Mining History provides a gallery of historical mining towns, including Ironton. While some images available on platforms like Shutterstock might be contemporary, they often depict the remaining structures and the surrounding landscape. These visual resources are invaluable for understanding the layout, architecture, and overall atmosphere of Ironton during its vibrant past.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Colorado Ghost Town
The history of Ironton encapsulates the dramatic narrative of many mining towns in Colorado: a rapid ascent fueled by mineral wealth, followed by a gradual decline precipitated by economic shifts and resource depletion. Founded in 1883 as a supply hub for the burgeoning Red Mountain Mining District, Ironton quickly grew into a bustling community, boasting a peak population of over a thousand residents and establishing itself as a crucial transportation junction thanks to the development of a toll road and the arrival of the Silverton Railroad. The initial boom, driven by silver and lead mining, gave way to challenges with the Silver Panic of 1893, but the subsequent discovery of gold offered a temporary revival. Ultimately, Ironton succumbed to the combined pressures of declining mineral production, the loss of essential infrastructure, and the harsh realities of its remote mountain location. The closure of the post office in 1920 and the cessation of railroad operations in 1921 marked the beginning of its final decline, culminating in its abandonment by the mid-1960s with the passing of its last resident, Milton Larson.
Today, Ironton stands as a poignant ghost town, a collection of weathered buildings and foundations that serve as a tangible link to the past. Owned by the U.S. Forest Service and Ouray County, the site is accessible to tourists and is recognized for its historical significance. The efforts of local historical societies ensure that the stories of Ironton are not forgotten. The rise and fall of Ironton offer valuable lessons about the boom-and-bust cycles inherent in resource-dependent economies and the resilience, as well as the eventual vulnerability, of communities built upon such foundations. The enduring allure of Ironton, evidenced by the continued interest of visitors and researchers, underscores the captivating power of the American West’s mining history.
