Nestled high in Hinsdale County, along Colorado’s picturesque Alpine Loop Back Country Byway, lies the spectral remains of Sherman, Colorado. This captivating ghost town, once a bustling mining camp perched at an elevation of 9,560 feet, offers a profound glimpse into the state’s rugged and often dramatic past. Named after Sherman Williams, who first arrived in 1875, Sherman, Colorado quickly materialized as a hub of aspiration and industry, its wide streets platted in 1877 reflecting an optimistic vision for the future.
The brief but intense life of Sherman was inextricably linked to the precious metals hidden beneath the surrounding mountains. The late 1870s and early 1880s witnessed a flurry of rich ore strikes that drew prospectors and fortune-seekers to this remote locale. Mines such as the New Hope, Smile of Fortune, and Minnie Lee rapidly yielded substantial quantities of gold and silver, fueling the town’s initial boom. However, it was the formidable Black Wonder Mine, strategically situated on a hillside just north of the burgeoning community, that would become the true economic heart of Sherman. Within just a few short years, the Black Wonder Mine and its accompanying mill solidified their status as the unwavering mainstay of the entire settlement, dictating its prosperity and population.
The Golden Era: Life and Commerce in Sherman’s Peak
As the mines prospered, so did the infrastructure supporting the growing population of Sherman, Colorado. By 1881, the town boasted essential amenities crucial for frontier life. The Sherman House Hotel emerged as a central establishment, offering much-needed accommodations for weary miners and travelers, alongside a well-stocked saloon that undoubtedly served as a vital social hub. The same year saw the opening of a general store, providing supplies ranging from tools to provisions. While its operation was intermittent, a post office also served the community during its most active periods, connecting Sherman to the outside world.
Much of the town’s daily activity revolved around one substantial building that served multiple functions, a testament to the resourcefulness required in such a remote area. This single structure housed a dormitory for workers, a butcher shop and slaughterhouse ensuring fresh meat, and a bakery providing daily bread. These businesses collectively underscored the self-sufficiency of Sherman’s community. Furthermore, in 1895, the surrounding forested hillsides played a critical role in the expansion of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Timber was meticulously cut from these slopes, then skillfully floated down the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River from Sherman to Lake City, providing essential railroad ties for the burgeoning rail network.
Boom and Bust: Challenges and the Inevitable Decline
Despite its initial promise, Sherman was never destined for vast expansion, with its maximum permanent population hovering around 100 individuals. However, during the easier summer months, when mining operations could ramp up and access was less arduous, the town’s population could swell to as many as 300, a clear indicator of the transient nature of mining camps. Life in Sherman, Colorado was undeniably harsh, particularly during the brutal winters. Heavy snowfalls routinely rendered the remote town inaccessible, leading to severe supply shortages and prolonged periods of isolation that tested the resolve of its residents. When spring arrived, the community faced a new challenge: regular and often devastating flooding, a constant reminder of their precarious location in the high mountains.
The beginning of the end for Sherman was signaled by the national silver price drop in 1893. While mining activities heroically continued well into the 20th century, the economic foundations were irrevocably weakened. The final blow came dramatically in 1921 when a dam on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River catastrophically burst, unleashing a torrent of water that flooded the entire valley. Faced with such overwhelming destruction, the vast majority of Sherman’s inhabitants opted not to rebuild, choosing instead to seek fortunes elsewhere. A resilient handful of die-hard miners, however, clung to the hope of a comeback, remaining in the area until approximately 1930, long after the town itself had faded into memory.
Sherman Today: A Ghostly Testament to Perseverance
Today, very little remains of the once-vibrant mining camp of Sherman, Colorado. The forces of nature and the passage of time have reclaimed much of what was built, leaving behind only tantalizing whispers of its former glory. Visitors can still discover scattered foundations, the weathered ruins of collapsed log cabins, and some pieces of antiquated mining equipment, all serving as poignant reminders of the industrious souls who once called this remote place home. It is important to note that the townsite now rests on private property, and respectful exploration from public areas or designated viewpoints is encouraged.
For those eager to trace the footsteps of history, Sherman is located approximately 16 miles southwest of Lake City. To reach this evocative ghost town from Lake City, travelers can head south on CO-149 S/Gunnison Ave for 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Co Rd 30 for 12.1 miles, followed by a slight left onto Co Rd 35 for 1.4 miles, which leads directly to the old townsite. Just beyond the former settlement, trailheads for several scenic hikes offer further exploration of the breathtaking natural beauty that drew prospectors to this rugged terrain. Alternatively, for a comprehensive perspective, continue past Co Rd 35 to an overlook on Co Rd 30, which provides a captivating bird’s-eye view of the historic townsite, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and isolation of this once-thriving mining community.
Conclusion: The Enduring Echoes of Sherman’s Past
The story of Sherman, Colorado, is a powerful narrative of human ambition, resilience, and the relentless pull of the American West’s mineral riches. From its hopeful platting in 1877 to its dramatic demise by flood in 1921, Sherman encapsulates the boom-and-bust cycle that defined so many frontier settlements. While its buildings have largely succumbed to time, the spirit of those who toiled in its mines and built a community amidst formidable challenges endures. Sherman stands as a silent, yet eloquent, testament to Colorado’s rich mining heritage, inviting us to reflect on the transient nature of prosperity and the enduring allure of forgotten places.
