Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of southern Park County, Guffey, Colorado, stands as a truly unique destination—a former gold rush town that has gracefully transitioned into a vibrant, albeit quirky, modern community. Located approximately 33 miles north of Canon City, just off Highway 9, Guffey, Colorado, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past, blended with an undeniable charm that sets it apart from typical ghost towns.
Perched at an elevation of 8,700 feet, the area now known as Guffey first garnered attention when explorer John C. Fremont passed through on his return from California in 1844. While some settlers reportedly arrived in the 1870s, the region’s primary inhabitants for centuries were the Ute Indian Tribe, who revered its natural beauty and resources.
The Genesis of a Mining Boomtown: Idaville to Freshwater
The true foundation of Guffey, Colorado, began in 1890, sparked by the promise of a major gold strike. Prospectors, eager to replicate the success of nearby Cripple Creek, established a mining camp initially named Idaville. The name was swiftly changed to Freshwater, reflecting the abundance of its natural resources.
By 1895, the town of Freshwater was officially incorporated and experiencing a substantial boom. It quickly became the bustling center of activity for the Freshwater Mining District, which, beyond its primary allure of gold, also yielded significant quantities of copper, lead, and other valuable minerals. The promise of wealth attracted a diverse population, transforming the camp into a thriving community supported by mining, lumbering, and ranching.
The fervor for gold was palpable, as evidenced by an optimistic report in the Colorado Daily Chieftain on August 31, 1896:
“All of the arrangements have been completed, and negotiations closed for the construction of a cyanide mill on Currant creek of a capacity of 60 -tons per day. The mill is now assured beyond any doubt, and ground will be broken for its construction within a fortnight. The capitalists behind the enterprise are Roadhaven and Vanderpool, of St. Louis, who have visited the camp several times, investigating our mines and ores, with William Goodman of Cripple Creek, who has been largely instrumental in consummating this enterprise. They claim to be able to treat $7 ore at a profit, which it is claimed will make Freshwater the biggest camp in the world. The townspeople have guaranteed the company 50 tons of ore per day. This step locates Freshwater beyond the boundary of a prospecting camp and places it in the list of producers.”
From Freshwater to Guffey: A Name Change and Peak Prosperity
In the late 1890s, the town underwent another name change. To avoid confusion with another Freshwater located in California, the residents decided to honor James McClurg Guffey, a prominent oilman and capitalist of the era, by renaming their settlement Guffey. During this period, the town reached its zenith, boasting a population of over 500 residents and more than 40 businesses, all drawn by the siren call of gold and the lively community spirit. Guffey was particularly renowned throughout the region for its vibrant dances, which often featured numerous fiddlers and musicians, creating a memorable social hub.
The Mining Decline and Enduring Spirit
Despite the initial optimism, the total recorded production from the mines and prospects around Guffey ultimately proved minor compared to expectations. The grand promise of the Freshwater districts began to wane, leading to a significant downturn. This decline was starkly articulated in the Park County Bulletin on January 17, 1902:
“With this issue, the GUFFEY PROSPECTOR will cease publication. This is due in part to the fact that the camp has another paper and to the additional fact that the Freshwater districts have failed, so far, to develop sufficiently to support a newspaper. The PROSPECTOR has for some time been published from the BULLETIN office, and while working faithfully for the camp, it has never been a paying investment. Those in the Freshwater districts who wish to settle their accounts with the paper can do so with Captain Sylvis at the Guffey post office. To those who wish it, the BULLETIN will be continued to their address, and we will try to make it meet their requirements as always, up with the news of Park county. We still have faith in the Freshwater districts and believe that, when sufficient depth has been obtained, there will be pay mines made and profitable mining is done.”
As mining proved less profitable, Guffey began to lose its population. However, the town’s resilience was bolstered by its adjacent cattle ranches and lumber operations, which continued to provide economic stability. These agricultural endeavors became the lifeblood of Guffey, allowing it to survive the mining bust that decimated so many other boomtowns.
Guffey Today: A Quirky Haven with a Heart
Today, Guffey, Colorado, is a thriving, albeit small, community with approximately 49 permanent residents, heavily reliant on tourism. Its charm lies in its blend of historic preservation and eccentric modernity. Many original structures remain, some still occupied, while others are lovingly maintained as historical relics. The town boasts a charter school, a local restaurant, a small museum, and several businesses that cater to both locals and visitors.
Guffey continues to serve as a vital center for surrounding ranches, many of which hold significant historical value, earning them recognition as Park County Historic Landmarks. Notable examples include the Aspen Creek/Bener/Moore Ranch, Campbell Ranch, and Thirty-One-Mile Ranch, preserving the agricultural heritage that helped sustain the town through its leanest years.
Nature’s Grandeur: Volcanic Landscapes and Mineral Springs
Beyond its human history, Guffey is nestled within a truly dramatic natural setting, shaped by three ancient volcanoes. The Guffey volcanic center is a prominent feature of the Thirty-nine Mile Volcanic area, which itself is the largest remaining vestige of the Central Colorado volcanic field. This geological history provides a stunning backdrop to the town and its surroundings. Adding to its natural wonders, two unique mineral springs bubble forth about a mile south of Guffey. These springs have created impressive mounds, over 20 feet high and 50 feet across, testament to centuries of mineral deposition and natural artistry.
A Town of Animal Mayors and Unique Politics
Perhaps the most endearing and eccentric aspect of modern Guffey, Colorado, is its tradition of electing animals as Mayor. This delightful custom has given rise to two distinct political parties: the Democats and the Repuplicans. The town’s most famous mayor, Monster the Cat, was first elected in 1998 and held office for an incredibly long tenure. As recently as November 2019, residents Lydia Reynolds of Guffey’s 31 Mile Ranch and Bill Sioux of Guffey Garage confirmed that Mayor Monster was still alive and well, continuing his service to the community. This unique political landscape truly solidifies Guffey’s reputation as one of Colorado’s most delightfully quirky destinations.
Conclusion: A Timeless Testament to Resilience and Character
From its origins as the hopeful mining camp of Idaville, through its boom as Freshwater, and finally as the enduring and eccentric Guffey, Colorado, this small town stands as a remarkable testament to human resilience and unique character. It embodies the adventurous spirit of the American West, adapted into a modern community that cherishes its past while embracing its present eccentricities. For anyone seeking a blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and genuinely quirky charm, Guffey offers an unforgettable experience, proving that even a ghost town can have a vibrant and distinct personality. Its blend of historical significance, geological wonders, and endearing political quirks makes Guffey a truly special corner of Colorado, well worth exploring.
