Lenado, Colorado facts for kids
Lenado, Colorado is a fascinating ghost town located high in the mountains. It sits in Pitkin County, Colorado, not far from Woody Creek. You can find it along Woody Creek Road. This old town is about 8,540 feet (2,603 meters) above sea level!
Lenado was once a busy place, especially in the late 1800s. People came here because of the valuable lead and zinc found in the ground. About 300 people lived and worked in Lenado during its busiest mining days.
Lenado, Colorado: A Mining Town's Story
Lenado's story began with mining. Miners dug deep into the earth to find lead and zinc. These metals were very important for industries at the time. The town grew quickly as more people arrived to seek their fortunes.
Life in a mining town like Lenado was tough. People worked hard, and the weather could be extreme. Despite the challenges, the town was a lively community. It had homes, stores, and everything needed for the miners and their families.
Why Did Lenado Become a Ghost Town?
Lenado's first period of activity did not last forever. The price of lead began to fall. This meant that mining lead was no longer as profitable. Many mines closed down, and people started to leave Lenado. The town slowly became empty, turning into a "ghost town."
There was a short burst of new life in Lenado after 1917. This happened because of the First World War. There was a big need for zinc during the war. This brought some miners back to Lenado for a little while. However, this busy time did not last long, and the town soon became quiet again.
Lenado's Second Life: A Logging Community
Many years later, in the mid-1960s and early 1970s, Lenado came back to life. This time, it wasn't for mining. It became a busy place for logging. Logging means cutting down trees for wood.
A lumber mill was built in Lenado. About 100 people moved there to work and live. They spent about 15 years cutting timber and processing wood. This gave Lenado a new purpose for a while. After this period, the logging activity also ended. Today, Lenado remains a quiet ghost town, a reminder of Colorado's rich history.
