Nestled within a broad mountain valley at the northern gateway of Colorado’s famed Red Mountain Mining District, Ironton, Colorado, stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to the state’s storied past. Once a bustling supply and shipping epicenter for an array of lucrative mines, the ghost town of Ironton beckons visitors to explore its echoes of prosperity and perseverance against the rugged San Juan Mountains.
The saga of Ironton, Colorado, began in 1881 when the intrepid prospector John Robinson, along with his partners, unearthed the extraordinarily rich Yankee Girl, Guston, Robinson, and Orphan Boy Mines. This pivotal discovery ignited a fervent mining boom, drawing fortune-seekers and entrepreneurs to this remote, mineral-laden region.
From Copper Glen to Ironton: The Birth of a Mining Hub
In the wake of these rich discoveries, a settlement swiftly took root in the relatively flat valley below the mines. By 1883, this nascent community, initially dubbed Copper Glen by its suppliers, was a hive of activity. Within a mere three weeks, a staggering hundred buildings began to dot the landscape, including an impressive dozen saloons, four restaurants, and numerous essential stores. Many of these establishments were branch operations from merchants in the more established towns of Silverton and Ouray, eager to capitalize on the burgeoning wealth.
Despite its official name, the local populace quickly adopted a more fitting moniker: Ironton. This unofficial name paid homage to the low-grade iron ore prevalent in the area, a name that stuck when the town’s post office was formally established, cementing its identity.
The Zenith of Prosperity: Ironton’s Transportation Era
The formal platting of the Ironton townsite in March 1884 marked a new chapter for the community. That same year, the visionary Otto Mears completed a vital toll road connecting Silverton and Ouray. This crucial infrastructure transformed Ironton into the undisputed primary transportation center for the entire Red Mountain Mining District, a role it would hold with great significance.
Supplies, ranging from lumber and food to essential mining equipment and hardware, streamed into Ironton from Ouray, meticulously transported by diligent mule and burro pack trains. On their return journeys, these same pack trains bore the district’s precious ore, shuttling it to processing centers and markets beyond. The efficiency of this system was a lifeline for the district’s remote operations.
The Arrival of the Silverton Railroad
A monumental development arrived in 1889 when the Silverton Railroad extended its tracks directly into Ironton. This brought with it two daily trains that majestically ascended over Red Mountain Pass from Silverton. A robust depot, a substantial investment of $2,500, was constructed to handle the increased traffic. The railroad dramatically slashed the cost of shipping ore, thereby enhancing the profitability of the district’s mines. However, the harsh Colorado winters imposed their will, forcing Mears to halt rail operations between January and May each year due to heavy snowfall. By 1890, the town’s population swelled to its peak of 323 residents, supported by a diverse array of businesses including hotels, saloons, restaurants, and multiple mercantiles, reflecting a vibrant and thriving community.
Decline and Fleeting Resurgence: A Town’s Struggle
The prosperity of Ironton proved to be as volatile as the minerals it extracted. A crushing blow arrived in 1893 with the government’s demonetization of silver, a policy that rendered most of the district’s silver mines unprofitable and forced their closure. By 1897, the Silverton Railroad, a symbol of its former glory, had retracted its operations from Ironton, pulling back to the nearby Red Mountain Town, a clear sign of the town’s diminishing fortunes.
Yet, the resilient spirit of the mining community refused to wane entirely. A new boom briefly revitalized the area in 1898 with the exciting discovery of gold. Many of the very same mines that had yielded silver earlier, such as the Yankee Girl, American Girl, Colorado Boy, Treasury, and Genessee-Vanderbilt, were enthusiastically re-opened, now in pursuit of a different precious metal.
Last-Ditch Efforts and Final Closures
In the early 1900s, the Barstow Mine became the lifeblood that kept Ironton alive. This significant operation transported ore down to the Barstow Mill for processing via an ingenious aerial tram system. For several years, it stood as Ironton’s primary employer, producing an impressive $750,000 in wealth before its eventual closure in 1917.
Further efforts to sustain the mining industry included the ambitious Joker Tunnel project, initiated in 1904. Designed to undercut and drain key mines like the Genessee-Vanderbilt, Yankee Girl, Robinson, and Guston, this tunnel, nearly a mile long by 1907, intersected the mine workings 600 feet below the surface. Its purpose was to alleviate the crippling water problems that had forced many closures. This last-ditch endeavor successfully continued to produce ore until its closure in 1914, marking the end of significant large-scale mining.
The End of an Era: Ironton Becomes a Ghost Town
Despite these sporadic revivals, the inevitable decline of Ironton continued. Its population dwindled to just 48 by 1910 and continued its steady descent. The town’s post office, a symbol of community, closed its doors in 1920, followed by the complete cessation of all railroad operations in 1921. What remained of the once-vibrant town slowly succumbed to the elements and neglect.
Fires ravaged several buildings, and the relentless weight of a century’s worth of heavy snowfall caused many structures to collapse. The last lone inhabitants of Ironton were Harry and Milton Larson. Harry passed away in the 1940s, but Milton bravely continued to live alone amidst the abandoned town until his own death in the mid-1960s, a solitary sentinel to a bygone era.
Though the town itself faded, some mining activity persisted. A few area mines were later reopened and consolidated by the Idarado Mining Company, which conducted sporadic operations until 1978, extracting what wealth remained beneath the unforgiving peaks.
The Ski Resort That Never Was: A Unique Chapter
Ironton’s story also includes a unique, albeit unfulfilled, chapter. In 1938, a group of investors from Ouray envisioned a ski area, acquiring several mining claims on the north end of Ironton Park. Their ambitious plans included a two-story lodge, a ski lift boasting seven towers, and a cleared run spanning approximately 1,800 feet. They even created Crystal Lake and stocked it with trout, dreaming of a popular winter destination. The lodge held its grand opening ceremony in 1940, but tragically, the resort never officially opened to the public.
The business partnership ultimately failed, and the property was sold to the Saint Germain Foundation, which repurposed it as a religious retreat. The foundation expanded its holdings, acquiring additional mining claims until it owned an extensive 800-acre site. However, misfortune struck again when the lodge tragically burned to the ground in 1952. Today, all that remains are the concrete foundations of the once-grand lodge and a solitary stone garage on the east side of Highway 550, now part of the U.S. Forest Service land.
Ironton Today: A Ghost Town’s Enduring Legacy
Today, approximately a dozen structures of the original Ironton townsite remain at its southern end, standing as poignant reminders of its vibrant past. Among these are the distinctive “White House” with its striking bay windows, the mine superintendent’s house, the meticulously restored Colorado Boy Hoist House, and the evocative ruins of the Albany/Saratoga Mine smelter. These skeletal remains whisper tales of the past, drawing history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Owned jointly by the U.S. Forest Service and Ouray County, the area surrounding Ironton has transformed into a popular recreational destination. In winter, when mechanized travel is restricted, it becomes a serene haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering breathtaking views amidst the snow-laden historical remnants. Ironton is conveniently located about eight miles south of Ouray and can be accessed along County Road 20 and 20D, just east of the spectacular U.S. Highway 550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway.
Conclusion: The Undying Spirit of Ironton
From its humble beginnings as Copper Glen to its bustling peak as Ironton, Colorado, a vital mining and transportation hub, this ghost town embodies the relentless pursuit of prosperity that defined the American West. Despite experiencing dramatic booms and devastating busts, fires and the unforgiving march of time, Ironton’s spirit endures. The remaining structures, silent witnesses to a bygone era, offer a compelling glimpse into the lives of those who once dreamt of fortune in the rugged San Juan Mountains. Today, Ironton stands not as a forgotten relic, but as a cherished historical site, preserving the memory of Colorado’s rich mining heritage for generations to come, inviting all to reflect on its captivating narrative of human endeavor and resilience.
