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Description
Gilman, Colorado, is now an abandoned mining town perched on a high cliff viewable from Highway 24 between Red Cliff and Minturn, CO. Its history dates back to the beginning of the state and mining has always been its chief industry. The mining changed over the years as well, from silver and gold, to zinc, lead, and other precious metals. The 1930s through 1950s were years of prosperity for the small company town and its residents; at one time, Gilman had its own hospital, school, post office, and recreational activities for residents such as ice skating. After the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1964, Gilman and other mining areas like it came under closer scrutiny and the mine was declared an EPA Superfund Site in 1984 with its residents ordered to relocate. Many went to nearby Red Cliff or Minturn. Today, the town is a heavily fenced off area that is restricted to any and all visitors. EPA clean-up efforts remain in progress.
