Audio By Carbonatix
A U.S. Geological Survey employee with nothing better to do on vacation than pore over old maps in the Library of Congress made an astonishing discovery last year: a Colorado map from 1894 that reveals previously-unknown ghost towns all over the state.
So far, the Colorado Historical Society counts about 150 ghost towns and they thought there were about 400 to 500 in total. This archaic map, however, reveals the location of 1,096 total communities, mining camps, and ghost towns across the state, exponentially increasing the number of estimated sites.
Cartographers who’ve analyzed the map claim it’s relatively accurate–a testament to the skill of on Frank Pezolt, who drew the map, adding embellished representations of geographically accurate mountains.
You can download the map for free here, or order a printed copy for $20. But before you go all Indiana Jones in search of Curly’s gold or whatever, keep in mind that most of the land is either already owned by someone or property of Uncle Sam.
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Of course, I can think of worse ways to spend a weekend than searching for cursed treasure. Beats waking up face-down on the floor of the Squire Lounge again. I’m comin’ for yer riches–do your worst, Curly!
