If there is one thing that Colorado does not lack (aside from great beer, killer views, and awesome people, of course), it is ghost towns. In fact, since the Centennial State first entered the Union in 1876, Colorado has deemed more than 1,500 communities as ghost towns, with 640 remaining today. What is not usual for Colorado, however, are living ghost towns, which is exactly what you will find in this small mountain community:

Located near the iconic Georgetown is the historic Silver Plume, Colorado; a former silver mining camp that was originally incorporated in 1880.

Flickr/David Wilson

Running along Clear Creek, Silver Plume was a true mining haven that turned out not only its namesake silver, but also gold and lead, the latter of which kept the town thriving well past World War II.

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Unlike most Colorado mining towns, Silver Plume managed to still stay afloat after the nearby ores dried up (right after World War II) thanks to both the nearby railroads and the surrounding skiing opportunities.

Flickr/Ed Ogle

Though the population of Silver Plume has significantly decreased since the mining boom ended, the town is still home to just over 100 residents and a number of historic attractions like the train station (which serves as the depot to the still-running Georgetown Loop Railroad!)…

Flickr/Vilseskogen

…fascinating George Rowe Museum…

George Rowe Museum Facebook

…charming Bread Bar (which is housed in an old 1800s bakery)…

Bread Bar

…and little Easter eggs here and there illustrating the town’s history.

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

For more information about Silver Plume, its history, and things to do around the area, please visit the Town of Silver Plume’s website.

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For even more history on other Colorado ghost towns, click on Visit These 5 Creepy Ghost Towns In Colorado At Your Own Risk.

Flickr/David Wilson

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Flickr/Ed Ogle

Flickr/Vilseskogen

George Rowe Museum Facebook

Bread Bar

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

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