Silver Reef - Sandstone Ghost Town

However, Silver Reef endured, centered within a six mile area of active mines, from which came more than a million dollars in ore each year. But its demise was on its way. In late 1881, silver prices dropped world wide, the mines were filling with water at rate faster than the workers could pump it out, and mine owners began to lower wages. Most miners could no longer afford to stay and began to move.  By 1884, most of the area mines had closed and Silver Reef was quickly becoming a ghost town. By 1890, less than 200 people remained in the area and the following year, the last mine shut down, though ore continued to be brought out of the area for the next decade. Over the years, Silver Reef produced about 25 million dollars worth of ore.

In the early 1900s many of the remaining buildings were demolished and in 1908 a fire destroyed most of what was left.

Today, a couple of historic buildings continue to stand in Silver Reef, as well as a collapsed mine, numerous foundations and ruins, and two cemeteries.

The 1877 Wells Fargo Office was utilized as a residence until the late 1940’s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, today it  serves as a museum and art gallery.

The 1876 Rice Bank Building was completely taken apart and then rebuilt to be utilized as a jail during a major mining dispute in the late 1800’s, continues to stand. During the conflict, one mine foreman was run out of town and another tarred and feathered. The authorities then arrested the union leaders, but because of the limited space in the old bank building, a line was drawn around the building to “hold” the men. Anyone crossing the line was threatened with being shot. In 1991 the building was fully restored.

Behind the Wells Fargo building is a restored powder house that serves as an information center.  

The Cosmopolitan Restaurant appears to have been rebuilt to appear as it did more than a century ago. Though it looks rustic on the outside, the gourmet restaurant serves European Cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere.

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From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Old West Books - Legends of America and the Rocky Mountain General Store has collected a number of Old West books for our frontier enthusiasts.  For many of these, we have only one available.  To see this varied collection, click HERE!