Duncan, Colorado facts for kids

Duncan is a ghost town located in Saguache County, Colorado. It's about 8 miles south of Crestone, Colorado. Today, only one building is left: John Duncan's old cabin. Duncan was once part of a large area called the Luis Maria Baca Grant No. 4. Now, it's inside the Rio Grande National Forest.

History of Duncan

Duncan, Colorado started in 1874. That year, a man named John Duncan found gold ore in a nearby river. Other people who were looking for gold, called prospectors, soon came to live near his cabin. By 1890, a small town had grown there.

Town Life and Growth

John Duncan planned out the town. He sold pieces of land, called lots, for $25 each. People built homes and started businesses. There was even a newspaper called The Duncan Eagle.

The town had a post office from November 21, 1892, to September 15, 1900. Mail was delivered six days a week. About 250 people lived in the area and used the post office. A school district was also started in 1893. The last classes were held there in 1899.

Leaving the Town

In 1900, a man named George Adams bought the Luis Maria Baca Grant No. 4. This large area included Duncan. Because he owned the land, the people living in Duncan were considered "squatters." This meant they were living on land they didn't own.

There was a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. In the end, the settlers had to leave the land. They were paid $125 for each building they had built. Some people from Duncan moved to a new town nearby. This new town was called Liberty, Colorado. It was just off the Grant property to the south.

Duncan Cabin Today

In 2011, John Duncan's cabin was fixed up. Now, visitors can even rent it out and stay there.