We as Coloradans are lucky… Not only do we live in a beautiful state with abundant jobs and amazing opportunities, we also live in a safer state (in terms of crime, severe weather, etc.). Sadly, this hasn’t always been the case, as demonstrated by this now-Colorado ghost town that was considered to be one of the most dangerous places in the country during the mid-1980s:

Around the time of Colorado’s conception, mining was king and brought in new families from all over in search of a steady and profitable occupation, leading to the founding of several new towns like Gilman.

History Colorado/86.200.6669

Founded in 1886 during the state’s Silver Boom, Gilman proved to be a successful area in terms of mining, turning out a whopping 10 million tons of silver, gold, copper, zinc, and lead during its operation.

History Colorado/88.442.325

During its prime, Gilman offered everything its residents needed, including an infirmary, school, grocery store, and even a bowling alley, but even that couldn’t keep the town alive once the mines began to go dry.

History Colorado/99.270.4307

Despite the mines still turning out different ore, the population of Gilman continued to decline, housing only a few hundred residents by the mid 1960s.

Flickr/William Currier The mine closed completely in 1984.

It wasn’t until after the once-prosperous mine closed that a true tragedy was discovered, as the Environmental Protection Agency discovered contaminated groundwater, toxic pollutants, and nearly 8 million tons of mine waste, leading to an immediate and mandatory evacuation of the town.

Wikimedia Commons

Today, the former homes, businesses, and mines around this once prosperous town still stand and serve as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of this vital period in Colorado history.

Flickr/el-toro

Flickr/Jonathan Haeber

Flickr/Geoff Llerena Please note: The site of Gilman is still deemed unsafe by the EPA and is currently undergoing rigorous cleaning in an effort to one day re-use the land.

For even more Colorado ghost towns, click on What You’ll Discover In These 13 Deserted Colorado Towns Is Truly Grim.

History Colorado/86.200.6669

History Colorado/88.442.325

History Colorado/99.270.4307

Flickr/William Currier

The mine closed completely in 1984.

Wikimedia Commons

Flickr/el-toro

Flickr/Jonathan Haeber

Flickr/Geoff Llerena

Please note: The site of Gilman is still deemed unsafe by the EPA and is currently undergoing rigorous cleaning in an effort to one day re-use the land.

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