Ghost Towns Guest Book
Keota Colorado Townsite - Ghost town
Appropriately named. Keota in the Indian language means "the fire has gone out". The town never had a population bigger than 150 but it served a farming community of 1250 homesteads. That is how it supported a high school, a newspaper, church, fire station and even a Doctor and a Lawyer.
I really liked this old town. Much to see including a cemetery a short distance from town. I had been here several years ago. Not much changed since then. Off the beaten path but worth the trip if you are in the plains of Colorado. Make sure you find the cemetery as there are several unique gravesites like the one for Edith Grace Steiger.
Photos courtesy of Mike Sinnwell 2005
A reader writes - I just got back from Fort Collins, Colorado where a friend lives. He drove me out to Pawnee Grasslands and then we toured the area and stopped at the Keota cemetery, then drove around the town. I hit google search as soon as I got home as I wanted more info on this very unique spot. While I was there, I had the strangest feeling that "something" was calling to me to investigate this town more! Wow..then I found your very informative website. Thank you so much for your info, I will continue my search. Tannya Albuquerque, NM
A reader writes - Just came across your website today and realized that it was about Colorado ghost towns. Last May I was at Keota for a Stanley family reunion. My second cousin was raised in Keota. Our grandfathers were brothers. We had a great time viewing the Pawnee Buttes and visiting the Keota cemetery where I had the privilege of being warned off by a rattlesnake while trying to take a picture of a gravesite. Had lots of fun there. Lots of great history there concerning the Stanley's. Thanks, Evelyn Stanley
A reader writes - Hey Mike, I came across your website after spending a day out at Pawnee Buttes and finding the graveyard there. I was touched by the stone for Edith Grace Steiger and went on the web to find out more. Up came your website. I haven't fully explored your site yet but I am moved by the love and energy you put into it. I recently moved to Colorado from Massachusetts and I am wanting to learn more about this fascinating place. Thank you for all your good info. Best to you and your family, Lydia, now of Longmont
A reader writes - Enjoyed the Pictures of Keota,Colo. I was born and raised at Keota and own the Farmers and Merchants Bldg (red brick bldg) in your pictures. My family homesteaded North East of town in 1910. My uncle Was a US Commissioner there during the homestead days. He processed homestead patents for those who settled in the area. He was also a printer and newspaper man and published the Keota newspapers. James Michner visited my uncle many times while researching for his book "Centennial". In the book, Keota is portrayed as Line Camp 1.
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