Colorado has a rich history in mining. Many a town and camp sprang up with the hint of fortune and faded away years or even months later when that dream of a fortune dried up. Hundreds of such remains of ghost towns and mining remnants lie scattered throughout the Rocky Mountains. While most of these locations have been lost to time or succumbed to the elements, there is one place that is far and away one of the most majestic and beautiful testaments to Colorado’s mining past.
Overlooking the beautiful Montgomery Reservoir, the Magnolia Mill is a silent reminder of the once bustling community that lived here. The town of Montgomery was built in 1861 to house miners and mill workers of the surrounding mines. Montgomery once housed over 1,000 residents, and boasted hotels, sawmills and the largest dance hall in the region. The townsfolk of Montgomery even named the nearby 14,000ft peak Mt. Lincoln, in honor of the nation’s President at the time; they even sent him a bar of gold from the Montgomery Mine!
©Daniel McAdams Photography Unfortunately, the gold rush died down and in 1890, Colorado Springs bought the land and flooded the area, creating the Montgomery Reservoir to supply the city with water.
©Daniel McAdams Photography Quite a few buildings were submerged and all that remains of the town of Montgomery now lies under the waters.
©Daniel McAdams Photography The Magnolia Mill, however, survived.
©Daniel McAdams Photography The Magnolia Mill was constructed in the 1860’s and was one of six such mills built to handle the loads of ore brought in from the nearby mines. The building that you see today was built in 1930 to replace the original structure after it burned down.
©Daniel McAdams Photography
©Daniel McAdams Photography The building is in surprisingly good condition, given it’s age.
©Daniel McAdams Photography
©Daniel McAdams Photography The roof has collapsed in spots and most of the original equipment has been hauled off.
©Daniel McAdams Photography
©Daniel McAdams Photography Amazingly, the long ore “walkway” still stands, which likely housed a long continuous rubberized conveyor belt, now long gone.
©Daniel McAdams Photography
©Daniel McAdams Photography
©Daniel McAdams Photography
Unfortunately for intrepid explorers who desires to see the Magnolia, the Mill was closed off from entry in 2015. We hope that someday, this magnificent piece of Colorado history will be visible again to the public. Until that happens, there are some excellent hiking trails in the nearby area where you will be greeted by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, making this a great spot for a hike or day trip.
©Daniel McAdams Photography
Unfortunately, the gold rush died down and in 1890, Colorado Springs bought the land and flooded the area, creating the Montgomery Reservoir to supply the city with water.
Quite a few buildings were submerged and all that remains of the town of Montgomery now lies under the waters.
The Magnolia Mill, however, survived.
The Magnolia Mill was constructed in the 1860’s and was one of six such mills built to handle the loads of ore brought in from the nearby mines. The building that you see today was built in 1930 to replace the original structure after it burned down.
The building is in surprisingly good condition, given it’s age.
The roof has collapsed in spots and most of the original equipment has been hauled off.
Amazingly, the long ore “walkway” still stands, which likely housed a long continuous rubberized conveyor belt, now long gone.
Note: Trespassing at the Magnolia Mill can land you in legal trouble and fines. Old and abandoned places like this are often closed to the public when they become dangerous for visitors. Please respect posted warnings; be safe!
To see more of photographer Daniel McAdams’ amazing work, check out his photo collections from the Colorado ghost towns of Last Chance and Model 1913, as well as his visit to an incredible underground Titan Missile Silo!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
