Cimarron, Colorado is a community in the western region of the state that was once important for its mining industry. It was founded in the latter half of the 19th century, at the height of the Colorado silver boom. The town of Cimarron can be found in the valley of the Cimarron River in Montrose County, roughly 20 miles east of the county seat of Montrose.
The name “Cimarron” comes from a Spanish term that can be translated as “wild” or “untamed,” and it was chosen for the town because it aptly describes the harsh condition of the terrain in the area. When silver and gold were discovered in the region in the 1870s, a large number of miners and prospectors were drawn to the area. This led to the original settlement of the area.
Cimarron was once home to several thousand people and enjoyed a large number of thriving companies and service providers during its heyday. In addition to a newspaper and a school, it featured general stores, saloons, motels, and a post office. Silver, gold, and a variety of other minerals were taken from mines located in close proximity to the town, which was the primary driver of the town’s economy.
Despite this, Cimarron only enjoyed a brief period of economic success. By the beginning of the 20th century, the mining industry was on the decline, and a large number of mines were shut down. The number of people living in the town decreased, and many of them moved out in quest of better prospects elsewhere. When the post office finally shut its doors in 1912, it signaled the end of an era for the town of Cimarron.
Because there are so few reminders of Cimarron’s former greatness, the town is now considered a ghost town. There are still a few ancient buildings and structures, such as the Cimarron Jail, that provide as visible reminders of the town’s history. The land in the vicinity of Cimarron is picturesque, and it provides a variety of chances for outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and camping.
It is essential to remember that in addition to the Cimarron that is located in Colorado, there is also a Cimarron that can be found in the state of New Mexico. This fact can easily lead to confusion. The historical significance of the town in New Mexico is well recognized, and it is also the location of the Philmont Scout Ranch, which is a vast wilderness camping area run by the Boy Scouts of America.
In a nutshell, Cimarron, Colorado, was a booming mining town in the latter half of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. It went through a prosperous period in the mining business, which was followed by a period of decline, which is what led to its current condition as a ghost town. Cimarron’s historical legacy and the natural beauty of its environs continue to draw tourists to the area even if the town’s population and commercial activity have both decreased.