If you are a longtime reader of Only in Colorado, you know that the Centennial State is home to some 1,500+ ghost towns, many of which came about and vanished with either the once prosperous mines or the railroad. One of those towns is the virtually unknown Montgomery, which disappeared for the most unusual reason:
Located just south of Breckenridge is the Montgomery Reservoir, which may seem like any other Colorado lake, but is hiding an incredible secret.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
Before the famous Montgomery Reservoir came to be, there was the town of Montgomery, which was founded in 1861 after gold was first discovered in the area.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
During its relatively short life, Montgomery turned out not only rich gold veins but 150 homes and cabins, hotels, stores, and even a large saloon and dance hall, which were all but deserted by the end of that same decade.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
Unlike most mining towns, Montgomery experienced a second chance during the early 1880s, thanks to a nearby silver strike. Sadly, this second boom was also short-lived, and Montgomery was again abandoned by 1883.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
By the turn of the 20th century, Montgomery and its surrounding land were purchased by the City of Colorado Springs, who intentionally flooded the area and turned it into the still-standing Montgomery Reservoir.
Google/Jay Eberhardt
While most of the former town is submerged in water, you can still see a few of the old buildings, including one of the 5 original sawmills (pictured).
TripAdvisor/Shun01
Despite the town being all but gone, Montgomery Reservoir is still a great place to visit thanks to its surrounding trails and fishing opportunities.
TripAdvisor/Trisha J
Have you had a chance to visit this fascinating area? We would love to see your pictures and hear your stories in the comments! Are you ready to discover even more Colorado ghost towns? Then you will want to take This Haunting Road Trip Through Colorado Ghost Towns.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Montgomery Reservoir, Colorado 80424, USA
Located just south of Breckenridge is the Montgomery Reservoir, which may seem like any other Colorado lake, but is hiding an incredible secret.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
Before the famous Montgomery Reservoir came to be, there was the town of Montgomery, which was founded in 1861 after gold was first discovered in the area.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
During its relatively short life, Montgomery turned out not only rich gold veins but 150 homes and cabins, hotels, stores, and even a large saloon and dance hall, which were all but deserted by the end of that same decade.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
Unlike most mining towns, Montgomery experienced a second chance during the early 1880s, thanks to a nearby silver strike. Sadly, this second boom was also short-lived, and Montgomery was again abandoned by 1883.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
By the turn of the 20th century, Montgomery and its surrounding land were purchased by the City of Colorado Springs, who intentionally flooded the area and turned it into the still-standing Montgomery Reservoir.
Google/Jay Eberhardt
While most of the former town is submerged in water, you can still see a few of the old buildings, including one of the 5 original sawmills (pictured).
TripAdvisor/Shun01
Despite the town being all but gone, Montgomery Reservoir is still a great place to visit thanks to its surrounding trails and fishing opportunities.
TripAdvisor/Trisha J
Have you had a chance to visit this fascinating area? We would love to see your pictures and hear your stories in the comments! Are you ready to discover even more Colorado ghost towns? Then you will want to take This Haunting Road Trip Through Colorado Ghost Towns.
TripAdvisor/Shun01
TripAdvisor/Shun01
Google/Jay Eberhardt
TripAdvisor/Trisha J
