Ironton, CO Day Two

​August 5, 2022

It drizzled all night, and it was peaceful with just the rush of water. I took an early morning walk and managed to get some more cell reception where mostly others were not even up yet. But shortly there after I could hear the engines of the ATVs and the dirt bikes. I decided to head in the opposite direction on this dirt road, towards the Ironton Township. Since I don’t have Internet, I wasn’t sure what I would find. Part of me assumed it was a modern day town perhaps with a convenient store where I could find some snacks. Well, I happened to land in a ghost town. And the rich history here was fascinating along with buildings that were ready to fall down. Apparently the town rapidly built up to 100 buildings, from 1883, to nearly 1000 residence by 1890. The silver boom was strong here as the US government was required to purchase silver from many mines throughout the country. This eventually came to a screeching halt, as the railroad ceased to travel here, and not long thereafter, eventually, the town disintegrated into the ghost town that it is today. This is a very informal, unmaintained property with plenty of dangers. There was a family with children that climbed to the second floor of a very dilapidated leaning house. I’m not sure what they were thinking as everything was dry rotted, and most of the buildings have already completely collapsed. As usual, I’m looking at the finer details such as the patina on the wood and the rust, the shape and textures and seeking a window through a doorway, etc. And I saw a bat, which is unusual for anyone to see in the light of day. It was actually a very nice and easy walk to do. So, I am camping about a quarter of a mile from a ghost town. I wonder what the spirits of this town would say to us 130 years later?


































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