Ghost Towns Guest Book
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.
GHOST Towns and Colorado Photos – Niwot Colorado