Ghost Towns Guest Book
Apex Colorado Ghost town
Apex Colorado - Northwest of Central City
Apex was founded in 1891 after the towns of Central City, Blackhawk and Nevadaville were already established. It did have two hotels, a miners hall and a dance hall. At one time, 1896, 1,000 people lived here.
Legend has it that a miner named Dick Mackey and a partner found the Mackey mine. When his partner ran off with about $30,000 in gold ore he left Mackey with only $400. Mackey used the money to continue to look for the elusive mother lode. Eventually the money ran out and Mackey took all his remaining dynamite and placed it at the end of the tunnel he had dug, lit the fuse and went home. When he returned the explosion had uncovered the ore. He got credit in Denver and ordered sacks and wagons for the ore. When he had it assayed it produced ore valued at $1,800 a ton. Needless to say Mackey could now pay his bills and made some money.
Getting there: I took the hard way, up over the mountains and over the 4X4 roads. You can get there a lot easier but not a lot prettier.
Some of the many buildings to see.
September 2002 - Pictures by Mike Sinnwell
Rocky Mountain Profiles Colorado Ghost Towns and Colorado Photos – Niwot Colorado