Guffey, Colorado – Quirky Mining Town – Legends of America
Nestled in the southern expanse of Park County, Colorado, approximately 33 miles north of the city of Canon City and conveniently located just off Highway 9, lies Guffey, a ghost town with a unique and charming quirkiness that promises a delightful and memorable visit. Situated at an elevation of 8,700 feet, this area boasts a rich history, marked by the explorations of John C. Frémont during his return from California in 1844. Although some settlers are believed to have arrived in the 1870s, the region’s primary inhabitants were the Ute Indian Tribe, who shaped the landscape and culture of the area.
From Idaville to Guffey: A Town’s Transformation
Guffey’s story began in 1890 with great promise and aspirations. Driven by the allure of striking gold, prospectors established a mining camp initially named Idaville. These hopeful individuals sought to replicate the success of the Cripple Creek gold rush, envisioning Guffey as the next significant gold mining hub. However, the name Idaville was short-lived, and the town was soon renamed Freshwater, reflecting the abundance of pristine water sources in the area.
By 1895, Freshwater had transformed into a bustling mining, lumbering, and ranching community, leading to its incorporation as a town. It became the central hub for the Freshwater Mining District, renowned for its rich deposits of gold, copper, lead, and other valuable minerals. The primary allure, however, remained gold, which attracted prospectors and fueled the town’s rapid growth.
On August 31, 1896, the Colorado Daily Chieftain reported a significant development that would further solidify Freshwater’s status as a prominent mining center. The newspaper announced the completion of arrangements and negotiations for the construction of a cyanide mill on Currant Creek, boasting a capacity of 60 tons per day. This mill was expected to revolutionize ore processing, enabling the profitable treatment of even low-grade ores.
The article quoted:
All of the arrangements have been completed, and negotiations closed for the construction of a cyanide mill on Currant creek of a capacity of 60 -tons per day. The mill is now assured beyond any doubt, and ground will be broken for its construction within a fortnight. The capitalists behind the enterprise are Roadhaven and Vanderpool, of St. Louis, who have visited the camp several times, investigating our mines and ores, with William Goodman of Cripple Creek, who has been largely instrumental in consummating this enterprise. They claim to be able to treat $7 ore at a profit, which it is claimed will make of Freshwater the biggest camp in the world. The townspeople have guaranteed the company 50 tons of ore per day. This step locates Freshwater beyond the boundary of a prospecting camp and places it in the list of producers.
This development marked a turning point for Freshwater, elevating it from a mere prospecting camp to a prominent producer in the mining industry. The influx of capital and advanced technology promised to transform the town into a thriving economic center.
However, in the late 1890s, the town faced a naming conflict with another Freshwater in California, necessitating yet another name change. This time, the town was named after James McClurg Guffey, an influential oilman and capitalist, whose support and investments were crucial to the town’s development.
Guffey flourished during this period, becoming renowned for its lively dances, featuring talented fiddlers and musicians who entertained the residents. The town reached its zenith, boasting a population of over 500 residents and supporting approximately 40 businesses, all drawn by the promise of striking gold.
The Decline of Mining and the Rise of Ranching
Despite the initial excitement and promise, the total recorded production from the mines and prospects around Guffey remained relatively minor. The town’s economy gradually shifted towards nearby cattle ranches and lumber operations, which provided crucial support when mining proved less profitable.
In the Park County Bulletin, dated January 17, 1902, a somber announcement signaled the changing times:
With this issue, the GUFFEY PROSPECTOR will cease publication. This is due in part to the fact that the camp has another paper and to the additional fact that the Freshwater districts have failed, so far, to develop sufficiently to support a newspaper. The PROSPECTOR has for some time been published from the BULLETIN office, and while working faithfully for the camp, it has never been a paying investment. Those in the Freshwater districts who wish to settle their accounts with the paper can do so with Captain Sylvis at the Guffey post office. To those who wish it, the BULLETIN will be continued to their address, and we will try to make it meet their requirements as always up with the news of Park county. We still have faith in the Freshwater districts and believe that, when sufficient depth has been obtained, there will be pay mines made and profitable mining is done.
The closure of the Guffey Prospector newspaper symbolized the decline of the mining industry in the area and the challenges faced by the community in sustaining itself.
Guffey Today: A Quirky Ghost Town
As mining dwindled, Guffey gradually lost its population. Today, the community is home to approximately 49 residents, relying heavily on tourism to sustain its economy. Despite its small size, Guffey retains its unique charm, with several original structures still standing and occupied. Other historic buildings have been meticulously preserved, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich past.
Guffey boasts a charter school, a restaurant, a small museum, and other amenities that cater to residents and visitors alike. The town remains a vital center of activity for nearby ranches, some of which have been designated as Park County Historic Landmarks, including the Aspen Creek/Bener/Moore Ranch, Campbell Ranch, and Thirty-One-Mile Ranch.
Volcanic Landscapes and Mineral Springs
Guffey’s stunning natural surroundings further enhance its appeal. The town is nestled in a scenic area shaped by three ancient volcanoes, forming part of the Thirty-nine Mile Volcanic area, the largest remnant of the Central Colorado volcanic field.
A mile south of Guffey, visitors can discover two mineral springs, where spring waters bubble up from large mounds, reaching heights of over 20 feet and spanning 50 feet across. These mineral springs offer a unique opportunity to witness the geological wonders of the region.
The Quirky Politics of Guffey: Animal Mayors
One of the most distinctive aspects of Guffey is its quirky political tradition of electing animals as Mayor. The town’s two main political parties are playfully named the Democats and the Repuplicans, reflecting this unique practice.
In 1998, Monster the Cat was elected as Mayor, adding another chapter to Guffey’s whimsical political history. As of November 2019, Monster was still alive and well, as confirmed by Lydia Reynolds of Guffey’s 31 Mile Ranch and Bill Sioux of Guffey Garage.
Guffey, Colorado, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of communities in the face of changing economic landscapes. Its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and quirky traditions makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable experience in the American West.