Creede, CO (7/18/2019)

The Silver Thread Byway got its name because it connected a number of silver mining towns back it the late 19th century.  Several mines along Willow Creek led to the town of Willow, but when a Mr. Creede laid claim to a large silver strike called Holy Moses, the town took his name.  The town grew from 600 people in 1889 to more than 10,000 just two years later.  Of course, the silver boom faded, especially when the price of silver feel dramatically in 1893.  Today, the population is less than 600, but the town has embraced its mining history and uses it to attract tourists.  The old mining trails in the mountains also appeal to 4WD enthusiasts.

Set right in the mountains at an elevation of 8800 feet, you don't have to go far to see abandoned mines.  Creede has some interesting history.  When Denver outlawed gambling and saloons in 1892, many such establishments moved to Creede, where there was no law.  Famous gambler Poker Alice moved in.  Con artist Soapy Smith ran the Orleans Club and became the unofficial king of the town's underworld.  He later became famous in Skagway, Alaska.  Robert Ford, the man who killed Jesse James, lived here during that time, as did famous lawman Bat Masterson.  Fire destroyed the town in 1892 and several days later,  a man named Ed O'Kelley walked into Ford's saloon (a makeshift tent) and shot him dead.

After silver mining collapsed, and Denver repealed its prohibitions, all the gambling and saloon businesses moved back there.  However, Creede never became a "ghost town", although the populated suffered a serious decline.  Mines continued producing lead and zinc well into the 20th century.  Several movies have been set in Creede or were filmed nearby.

I took a drive up the narrow trail that runs along Willow Creek, expecting to get near the mountain tops.  Unfortunately, I came to a place where the bridge across the creek was out, probably swept away by seasonal flooding.  Normally, I probably could have forded the stream, but a large tree had been laid across the trail to prevent such an attempt.  There were a few old miner's homes, some still in use.

Then I paid a visit to the Creede Cemetery and the little church located there.  Next time I'll cover the Bachelor Loop through the mountains above Creede.