Alder, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alder, Colorado
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Town
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Alder in winter
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Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
County | Saguache |
Elevation | 8,544 ft (2,604 m) |
Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
GNIS feature ID | 189960 |
Alder is a fascinating place in Saguache County, Colorado, United States. It is known as an extinct town, which means it was once a busy community but now almost no one lives there. It's like a quiet echo of the past, high up in the mountains.
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that was once a lively settlement but has since been abandoned. People leave for many reasons. Sometimes, a mine runs out of valuable minerals. Other times, a new road bypasses the town. Natural disasters or economic changes can also cause people to move away. These towns become quiet, with empty buildings and streets. They offer a glimpse into history.
History of Alder
Alder was once a small but active community. It even had its own post office. The post office was open for many years, from August 29, 1881, until November 30, 1927. This shows that people lived and worked in Alder for nearly 50 years. The town got its name from a nearby stream called Alder Creek. Like many small towns in the American West, Alder eventually became quiet. People moved away, and it slowly turned into the ghost town we know today.