Gilpin County, Colorado Hauntings
Gilpin County, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is a place where history whispers on the wind, and the echoes of a vibrant past resonate through its weathered buildings and forgotten mines. Like many locales steeped in history, Gilpin County is shrouded in tales of the spectral, with accounts of lingering spirits and unexplained phenomena that have captured the imaginations of residents and visitors alike. From the bustling streets of Central City to the remote depths of abandoned mines, the legends of Gilpin County’s hauntings offer a glimpse into a past that refuses to stay buried.
Central City: A Hub of Spectral Activity
Central City, founded in 1859, rapidly gained notoriety as being situated within "the richest square mile on earth." This claim attracted a flood of prospectors, with estimates reaching 30,000 individuals eager to strike it rich. The initial boom, fueled by easily accessible placer gold, soon subsided, giving way to the more demanding and dangerous work of hard rock mining. The population of the settlement experienced waves of growth and decline, closely tied to the fortunes of the mines, managing to persist through the late 19th century.
The early 20th century saw Central City transformed into a near-ghost town. Structures were dismantled, their materials salvaged and transported to burgeoning settlements elsewhere. By the 1920s, the population dwindled to a mere 500 residents. While the town struggled to survive as a tourist destination, the legalization of gambling in 1991 provided a much-needed economic boost.
However, the neighboring town of Black Hawk, strategically located closer to the main highway, reaped most of the benefits from the new legislation. Central City, despite its struggles, retained its most valuable asset: its collection of intact historical buildings. While the town is undoubtedly inhabited by the living, it is also believed to be home to a number of restless spirits. The hauntings of Gilpin County are said to be concentrated in its historic landmarks and cemeteries.
Masonic Cemetery: The Woman in Black
High on a hilltop north of Central City lies the Masonic Cemetery, the final resting place for many of the area’s early settlers. It is here that one of Central City’s most enduring ghost stories unfolds. According to local lore, on the 5th of April and the 1st of November each year, a beautiful woman dressed in a black satin gown appears at the grave of John Edward Cameron. She is said to tenderly lay flowers on his headstone, a gesture that has fueled countless rumors about the connection between the spectral figure and the deceased, who passed away on November 1, 1887.
One particular account tells of a group of twelve individuals who gathered at Cameron’s grave on November 1st, hoping to witness the apparition. Their vigil was rewarded when, as the sun began to set, the woman in black materialized as she always did. However, when two of the onlookers attempted to seize her, she reportedly ascended into the air and vanished on a nearby hill, leaving behind only unanswered questions and an enduring legend about Gilpin County.
The Central City Opera House: Echoes of the Stage
The Central City Opera House, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. Built in 1878, the opera house played host to some of Colorado’s finest entertainers for over a century. However, the decline of the Central City mines soon after its opening led to a period of disrepair. Thankfully, a volunteer effort in 1932 revived the magnificent structure, restoring it to its former glory and allowing the tradition of summer festivals to continue.
Among the many performers who graced its stage, one figure stands out in the annals of local legend: Mike Dougherty, a miner who transitioned to a career as a stage performer and became a local favorite in 1865. Unfortunately, Dougherty succumbed to the vices of the frontier, drinking himself to death. However, his love for the stage apparently transcended the boundaries of mortality.
Visitors to the opera house have reported a variety of paranormal phenomena over the years. Some have described experiencing a strong, fleeting odor of alcohol, often accompanied by a gentle nudge or the feeling of someone lightly ruffling their hair from behind. These encounters typically occur when the individual is alone in the darkened corridors of the theater. The mischievous ghost of Dougherty seems to enjoy startling the living, who are invariably surprised to find themselves alone after sensing his presence.
Other reported occurrences include strange, flickering orbs of light that drift across the stage and disappear into the wings, the distinct sound of footsteps echoing from the balcony, attributed to a long-departed female patron, and the sudden appearance of cold spots that move erratically across the backstage area. These phenomena are most often reported when the opera house is dark and unoccupied, adding to the mystique of Gilpin County.
Teller House: The Face on the Barroom Floor
The Teller House, constructed in 1872 at a cost of $84,000 with an additional $20,000 spent on furnishings, stands as a symbol of Central City’s opulent past. It was considered the finest hotel west of the Mississippi, outside of Denver. In 1873, President Ulysses S. Grant visited Central City and the Teller House. As a grand gesture of welcome, a path of silver ingots, valued at $12,000, was laid from his carriage to the hotel’s front door.
The Teller House is home to the famous and enigmatic "Face on the Barroom Floor," a painting created by Herndon Davis in 1934, which continues to captivate visitors. Legend has it that the portrait is of a miner’s wife who died of consumption. The heartbroken miner, consumed by grief, reportedly painted his wife’s likeness on the barroom floor while in a drunken stupor. He spent the night and the following day pouring his emotions into the artwork, speaking tenderly to the image of his beloved. Upon completing the portrait, the artist fell asleep and never woke up. He was buried next to his wife, and witnesses claim that the couple can be heard whispering to each other through the portrait on the anniversary of his death. The Teller House stands as another point of interest in Gilpin County.
Unknown Cemetery: The Witch’s Grave
Central City is home to at least four cemeteries. One of these, an unmarked and forgotten burial ground, is said to hold the remains of a woman who was condemned as a witch by her community. According to local legend, a green mist will envelop the area if one stands a few yards from her grave. Furthermore, witnesses claim that if the lighting is just right, the ground around the grave will appear to be covered in maggots.
One reader shared their experience at the cemetery, claiming to have captured a photograph of a man standing in the trees, seemingly observing them. They also reported seeing an old woman beside a broken pillar, three orbs near the front gate, and a little girl appearing in the trees near her grave.
Gold Mine Road: A "Ghost Magnet’s" Unease
A personal account describes a journey southwest of Central City, past the cemeteries leading to Nevadaville, Russell Gulch, and on to Idaho Springs. The author, accompanied by a self-proclaimed "ghost magnet," set out to explore the area’s historical sites. However, as they traveled along the road, the companion became increasingly agitated, eventually declaring that the area was filled with the dead and demanding that they leave. Later, the companion refused to elaborate, leaving the author to wonder about the unseen forces that permeated the hills of Gilpin County.
The Haunted Mine: Echoes of Labor
The early days of Central City were marked by easily accessible gold and silver deposits. As these surface minerals dwindled, the dangerous work of hard rock mining began. The mines became the site of numerous tragedies, with miners falling victim to cave-ins, accidents involving tools and explosives, and suffocation.
One particular mine, the Pozo Shaft, which has been closed for over 85 years, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of deceased miners. Nighttime trespassers have reported seeing faint yellow lights emanating from the old mine and hearing the sounds of men working deep within the shaft.
Black Hawk: Lucille of the Gilpin Hotel
The nearby town of Black Hawk also has its share of ghostly tales, most notably at the Gilpin Hotel and Casino. The original Gilpin Hotel, dating back to the late 1800s, once housed a one-room school upstairs. The teacher, Lucille Malone, was said to be deeply in love with a local miner. Tragedy struck when her lover was killed in front of the hotel. Overcome with grief, Lucille threw herself from the hotel balcony, dying in the same spot as her beloved.
Before the advent of gambling, the Gilpin Hotel was a small-town establishment catering to tourists and locals. One visitor recounted an experience from the early 1990s, describing a mysterious incident involving a bathroom light that repeatedly turned itself on and a subsequent fire that engulfed the hotel. The visitor believes that Lucille’s ghost provided a warning, potentially saving lives.
Today, the Gilpin Hotel has been refurbished and operates as the Gilpin Hotel and Casino. Employees and guests continue to report sightings of Lucille’s ghost. One manager reported seeing a woman entering a second-floor room, only to find it empty upon investigation. The casino’s restaurant is named in Lucille’s honor, a testament to her enduring presence in Gilpin County.
A Reader’s Encounter: Highway 119
One reader shared an experience from Highway 119, between Black Hawk and Eldora. While exploring back roads near an old mine shaft, the reader felt an overwhelming sense of unease and was unable to catch their breath. Their husband, initially skeptical, attempted to climb to the mine entrance but was overcome with a strange feeling and turned back. The reader believes that the area is haunted by the spirit of a miner who does not want to be disturbed.
The hauntings of Gilpin County are a complex tapestry woven from historical events, personal tragedies, and enduring legends. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and a reminder of the human experiences that shaped this unique corner of Colorado.