Russell Gulch, Colorado facts for kids
Russell Gulch is a historic place in Colorado, United States. It used to be a busy mining town where people dug for gold. Today, most of its buildings are empty, and it's often called a "ghost town." But a few people still live there, so it's not completely deserted!
The Story of Russell Gulch
Russell Gulch got its name from a miner named William Greeneberry Russell. He came from Georgia, where he had also mined for gold. In 1858, William Russell and his brothers arrived near what is now Denver, Colorado. They helped start a settlement called Auraria.
William Russell's discoveries led to the famous Pikes Peak Gold Rush. This was a time when many people rushed to Colorado hoping to find gold. In June 1859, William Russell found gold in a valley, and it was soon named Russell Gulch in his honor.
By September 1859, nearly 900 men were mining gold in the gulch! A town was quickly built nearby to support all these miners. At first, they found "placer gold." This is gold that has been washed out of rocks and is found in riverbeds or loose dirt.
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The easy-to-find placer gold quickly ran out. So, miners started looking for "vein deposits." These are richer gold deposits found deep inside rocks, which required more difficult mining methods.
Where is Russell Gulch Located?
Russell Gulch is found about two miles southwest of Central City, Colorado. It sits high up in the mountains, at an altitude of about 9,150 feet (2,789 meters) above sea level.
Fun Things to Do in Russell Gulch
Russell Gulch is home to a unique disc golf course. Imagine playing disc golf at an altitude of around 9,200 feet! It's a fun way to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
