Colorado experienced a mining boom in the late 1800s, making it one of the most prosperous regions of that time. Ambitious miners flocked to the area, establishing towns near rich deposits of precious metals amidst scenic meadows and hillsides. Some towns like Breckenridge, Leadville, and Idaho Springs remain popular destinations, while others turned into captivating ghost towns. Exploring these tranquil locations revives Colorado’s boom era, letting adventurers wander through abandoned streets that once thrived with saloons, outlaw encounters, and a flourishing industry that shaped the American West. Continue reading for a closer look at some of the ghost towns in Colorado. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.
Yuma County Ghost Towns in Colorado
Yuma County Colorado is the home of many ghost towns in Colorado. These include Arlene, Armel, Arnold, Avoca, Logan, Mildred, Newton, Waverly, and Witherbee just to name a few. Some of these ghost towns still have residents and have formed unincorporated towns. Like Abarr. Officials surveyed and established Abarr, also known are Brownsville, officially in 1922. However, a year later, in 1923, it underwent a name change and became Abarr. During this time, a post office was also established under the name Abarr, which operated until 1948. The town received its new name as a tribute to Ethel Hoffman, the wife of Silas Hoffman, who owned the local post office. Ethel Hoffman’s maiden name was Abarr.
Situated in northern Yuma County, Colorado, Clarkville stands as yet another captivating ghost town. The intersection of State Highway 59 transitioning from an east-west route to a north-south direction indicates the town. The town’s initial settlement occurred in 1933. Over the years, movers relocated various structures to Clarkville, including two residential homes and the schoolhouse. The moves transported them from the nearby town of Haxtun in 1940. Initial resident Ted Clark named the town after his family. However, Clarkville’s fate changed in 1947. The owners sold the town, resulting in the gradual depopulation and ultimate abandonment of the town.
