Mineral Point, Colorado – Legends of America

Nestled high in the rugged San Juan Mountains of Colorado lies the ghost town of Mineral Point. Perched at an impressive elevation of 11,474 feet, just south of the summit of Engineer Pass in San Juan County, it once held the distinction of being the highest town in the county. Today, it stands as a silent testament to the dreams and struggles of the prospectors and miners who sought their fortunes in this remote and unforgiving landscape.

The Discovery and Early Days

The story of Mineral Point began in 1873 when Charles McIntyre and Albert "Abe" Burrows, two intrepid prospectors, ventured into this uncharted territory. Their efforts were rewarded when they discovered a substantial vein of quartz, stretching for several miles and measuring an impressive 60 feet thick. This discovery sparked a flurry of activity as miners rushed to stake their claims, and a makeshift camp of tents and cabins sprang up to serve their needs. Initially, this settlement was known as Mineral City.

Life in Mineral City was challenging. The remote location meant that silver ore had to be transported to either Animas Forks or, more arduously, over the treacherous Engineer Pass and down the 19-mile stagecoach route to Lake City for processing. This arduous journey highlighted the determination and resilience of the early settlers.

Renaming and Growth

In 1875, the residents of Mineral City sought to establish a post office, only to discover that another town already bore the same name. To avoid confusion, the camp was renamed Mineral Point. The arrival of daily mail from Lake City during the summer months was a significant development, connecting the isolated community with the outside world.

Remarkably, Mineral Point boasted several mining company offices even before establishing retail or service businesses. In 1875, McIntyre’s Dakota & San Juan Mining Company set up their headquarters here, followed by the Buffalo & San Juan Mining Company in the same year. This influx of mining companies underscored the area’s potential and attracted further investment.

Flourishing Businesses and Community Life

The year 1876 marked a period of growth and diversification for Mineral Point. New businesses began to emerge, catering to the needs of the growing population. Henry Ketchum and John Dowling opened a miners’ supply store, providing essential tools and equipment. Ehrenfried Steinbach established an assay shop, offering crucial services for evaluating ore quality. Albert Dyes operated a mine brokerage business, facilitating the buying and selling of mining claims. B.F. Weeks and H.B. Perry established the Forest House, a combination restaurant, saloon, and hotel that quickly became a central gathering place for the community.

At its peak, Mineral Point and the surrounding area were home to several hundred people, including prospectors scattered throughout the region. The stagecoach line provided vital transportation links, with fares costing $3 from Lake City and a mere 50 cents from nearby Animas Forks.

As Mineral Point continued to grow, other businesses joined the mix. The Boots and Company General Store offered a wide range of goods, while a sawmill provided lumber for construction. A justice of the peace ensured law and order, and additional restaurants and saloons added to the town’s vibrant social scene. The primary mines in the area were the Bill Young and San Juan Chief, which drove the local economy.

Decline and Abandonment

By the mid-1870s, mining companies sought more cost-effective ways to handle the large quantities of lower-grade ore being extracted. In 1877, work began on the Bonanza Tunnel, a massive project that aimed to tunnel through Houghton Mountain in California Gulch near Animas Forks. The tunnel was designed to extend over three miles to Poughkeepsie Gulch near the San Juan Chief Mill, creating a direct route for transporting ore.

Unfortunately, the ambitious Bonanza Tunnel project coincided with a slowdown in ore production at Mineral Point. The town’s rugged location and the logistical challenges of transporting ore contributed to its decline. As the Bonanza Tunnel neared completion, Mineral Point’s fate was sealed.

Despite its initial promise, Mineral Point’s destiny appeared bleak. People began to leave in search of better opportunities. By the mid-1880s, speculative mining activity had dwindled, and work on the Bonanza Tunnel was halted in 1884. For Mineral Point, it was too late. By the 1890s, the town was completely abandoned.

Mineral Point Today

Today, the townsite of Mineral Point is gone, but the ruins of the San Juan Chief Mill still stand south of Co Rd 17 and Mineral Creek. These remnants serve as a reminder of the once-thriving community that existed in this remote corner of Colorado.

Visiting Mineral Point

To reach the site from Animas Forks, take San Juan County Road 2 north for 2.7 miles, where the trail intersects with Co Rd 17. Turn left (west), and after about a mile, you’ll see mining remains in the valley below. Co Rd 17 continues northwest, eventually becoming Ouray County Road 18 before connecting with Highway 550 and heading north to Ouray.

It’s important to note that this road can be challenging, and some sections are recommended only for experienced four-wheel-drive vehicles. To continue the Alpine Loop Tour, return east on Co Rd 17 and north onto Co Road 2.

Mineral Point may be a ghost town, but its story lives on. The ruins and the surrounding landscape offer a glimpse into the past, reminding us of the hardy individuals who sought their fortunes in the unforgiving mountains of Colorado.

See Also:

Sources:

Brown, Robert L.; Jeep Trails to Colorado Ghost Towns, Caxton Press, 1963.
Colorado Historic Properties (dead link)
Eberhart, Perry; Guide to the Colorado Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, Swallow Press, 1969