Located on the Western Slope of Colorado, Silt is largely overlooked compared to its larger neighbors in Garfield County. While other towns in the county were founded for mining opportunities or as tourist destinations, Silt started as a crossroads for those working in agriculture. To many people that are unfamiliar to the area, the town is unique only for its quirky name, but the town has a rich history of growth and struggles that closely mirror the larger trends of the United States. Founded in 1915, the town celebrates its centennial this year, but its identity is still in question. Founded as an agricultural community that provided economic opportunities for the surrounding farms, ranches, and orchards, Silt's development was also influenced by mining and transportation trends. Slowly the agriculture and mining of the region were replaced with jobs outside of the town. Silt's true calling is being an Everytown, USA that united aspects of the American Dream for a population that was more diverse than some areas. The small community of Silt and its surrounding areas is the epitome of middle America trying to make its way in this nation while riding the trends of the economy and the federal government. World events and advances in technology also drastically altered life in town, but Silt never lost its small town feel. There is nothing extraordinary or disastrous that made up its legacy; instead it lived, worked, and grew towards the future like most Americans of all ethnicities did throughout history.
