YouTubers expose reality of 'toxic' Colorado ghost town that was abandoned for tragic reason
Residents fled their homes in 1984 and never returned
Featured Image Credit: YouTube / @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
A YouTuber has been exposed to the shocking reality of a ‘toxic’ ghost town in Colorado that was left completely abandoned for a particularly tragic reason.
Once a mining town in the state’s Eagle County, in its heyday, Gilman was the center of lead and zinc mining in Colorado.
However, as of 1984, the town was left abandoned by its residents after the Environmental Protection Agency ordered everyone to flee their homes.
This was because of deadly toxic pollutants in the area, including the contamination of groundwater that made the place uninhabitable.
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As a result, residents left, and the town is now off-limits to the public.
That’s not to say that no one has set foot in Gilman since then, as the ghost town is now often the target of vandalism.
For anyone venturing into the area, they will be faced with an eerie sight as several cars and trucks are still sitting in their garages after their owners left them behind.
One YouTube channel, known as Exploring the Unbeaten Path, decided to investigate the town for himself.
Content creator Bob Thissen documented his experience of exploring Gilman, filming himself walking through the abandoned buildings where he found various items, including mining equipment that had been left for years.
Showing a door that leads to the mine, Thissen said: “Here’s the mine entrance, it’s locked, but the cold which comes through is unbelievable.”
Many viewers took to the YouTube comment section to share their own reactions to the video, with one user writing: “My dad is from Gilman, Colorado and I've heard many stories about this old mining town. His mother was the postmaster while he was growing up. A good portion of his health problems are the result of growing up in this mining town.
“Unfortunately, all of his sisters and brother have all passed from cancer. The amount of history in these buildings is amazing!”
Another said: “Even though Gilman is shut down due to contamination, the surrounding area is so beautiful.”
A third person commented: “I love these types of videos, it does however make me sad seeing how everything has always been trashed and tagged with spray paint.”
And a fourth added: “Such a beautiful location. All that equipment can easily be used again. All the abandoned and wasted hardware in that supply office makes me scream. Great video.”
While Gilman now stands empty, this wasn't always the plan. Back in 2007, the Ginn Company unveiled grand plans to build a private ski report and private homes across Battle Mountain.
This would've included the redevelopment at the Gilman townsite, and although the Minturn Town Council unanimously voted through the idea, the Ginn Company pulled out in September 2009.
Even though Gilman now sits as a desolate ghost town, it's become a popular attraction for explorers like Thissen, wanting to see a bit of this preserved Americana.