Independence, Colorado
Sometime in the late 1800s, prospectors discovered gold in Independence, Colorado, making others quickly follow suit. The Farwell Mining Company bought most of the leading mines and, by 1881, employed hundreds of folks thereafter, according to the Aspen Historical Society.
The town peaked with around 1,500 residents, and local businesses flourished too — until workers left in search of other riches, leaving their homes. However, in 1975, the Aspen Historical Society engaged in restoring this abandoned town so people could come and see it. You can visit it during summer via a self-guided tour.
Pro Tip: Make sure to also visit the Independence Pass, one of Colorado’s most mesmerizing mountain roads.
Keep reading to discover more best-preserved abandoned towns!
