GHOSTS OF THE WESTERN SAN JUANS, Volume II

Sneak preview: Ophir, San Miguel County

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Ophir, sometimes referred to as Old Ophir, preceded Ophir Loop, but not by long; both towns lived side-by-side for many years. Ophir was located at the foot of Ophir Pass, a much traveled toll road that was opened in 1881.

Ophir was founded in the 1870s. It was named for the Biblical location of King Solomon's Mines, in hopes that the local mines might produce equal wealth. By 1885, it was a town of two hundred, and had a stamp mill and two arrastras, and by 1898 Ophir had its own electricity, a water works, several churches, and a school. Two cars of ore were shipped daily. In 1901 there was "not a vacant house in town to live in."

The 1940 census listed Ophir with a population of two, and in 1960 the town was listed as one of four incorporated towns in the U.S. with no residents. The Census Bureau was wrong, however. The one resident was out of town when the census was taken.

Several frame homes were constructed following World War II when a mining project was attempted. However, it failed. The World War II houses still stand, and are occupied, as are several newer homes. Being close to the Telluride "growth," Ophir is also growing. The cemetery is located on the hill east of town. It is extremely overgrown.

Read more – including the impact of unions – in Ghosts of the Western San Juans, Volume II, one in a series of concise books on the ghost towns and mining camps of Colorado.

27 sites are included in Ghosts of the Western San Juans, Volume II:

Alta	Ames	Animas City
Dunton	Durango	Fall Creek
Folsome	Hesperus	La Plata
Lizard Head	Matterhorn	Mayday
Ophir	Ophir Loop	Otto Mears
Pagosa Springs	Pandora	Parrot City
Perins	Placerville	Rico
Rockwood	San Miguel	Sawpit
Telluride	Tomboy	Vanadium

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