Colorado Ghost Towns: The Strange Histories of Gillett & Gilman

Colorado's ghost towns of Gillett and Gilman are two sides of the same Centennial coin. Gillett was wild and chaotic, while Gilman turned out to be quiet yet contaminated.

Both towns remind us of how fast fortunes can change in the Rocky Mountains. History buffs and ghost town lovers alike know both these towns are worthy of a spot on your radar, even if you can only see them from a distance.

Gillett, Colorado – Gambling, Gold, and a Bizarre Duel

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so, you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

According to the Wiki, the town of Gillett, Colorado, was founded in the 1890s during the Colorado gold rush. Gillett is located in Teller County at an elevation of about 9,938 feet. Thanks to the success of the Cripple Creek mines, Gillett grew to a population of around 1000. Known for saloons, gambling halls, and criminal activity, Gillett made headlines in 1895 following the result of a "Mexican-style bullfight."

Legend says 50,000 people gathered for the event, only to find what many called “just farm animals.” Disappointment turned to riot. The bulls were slaughtered, and the meat given to the poor. Gillett emptied after the Cripple Creek mines dried up. The town was abandoned by the 1940s, when a flash flood wiped out what remained.

Gilman, Colorado – A Toxic Mining Legacy Hidden in the Mountains

Read More: From A to Z: Tour the Haunted Streets of Colorado Ghost Towns

Gilman (above), Colorado, was founded in 1886 and was a silver mining town located in Eagle County. Today, the Gilman townsite is located near Minturn, Colorado, on Highway 24. Once the silver dried up, Gilman continued mining zinc, copper, and lead. The population grew to about 300 residents, with mining operations lasting until the 1980s.

In 1984, residents of Gilman were notified that the EPA had declared the town a Superfund site due to toxic mine runoff. Residents did not take kindly to being asked to leave. Buildings were left completely intact, including homes, the school, and even the gas station. The town of Gilman is now on private land and can only be viewed from the highway.

Why These Colorado Ghost Towns Still Matter

Colorado learned hard lessons from both Gillett and Gilman. The town of Gillett proved that lawlessness and boomtown excess were unsustainable in the Rocky Mountains. Gilman showed that the long-term consequences of unchecked mining can ruin a community. If you are driving near Cripple Creek or Minturn, both places are worth a look. Remember that if you do stop to check out what you can see, remember to respect property lines, as these fragile places come from a different time.

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