Colorado is home to approximately 1,500 ghost towns, all of which were once somebody's home or place of employment. When thought of in this light, it makes the deserted communities all the more heartbreaking; however, some have stories that are even more haunting than others, such as this historic Colorado ghost town:
Located in Weld County, Dearfield was Colorado's first and, at one time, the most prominent black settlement that was formed to create a colony for African Americans.
Founded by Boulder businessman Oliver Toussaint Jackson (pictured), Dearfield was first plotted in 1910, with future residents learning about the new homestead via advertisements.
By the early 1920s, Dearfield was home to an impressive 200 to 300 residents, as well as a school, restaurant, and churches, yielding an overall net worth of $1,075,000.
Unfortunately - due to lackluster farmland and few agricultural opportunities in general - residents of the town struggled with work, and by the time the Great Depression arrived, most residents moved away, leaving behind only 12 residents come 1940.
Despite trying to strike up new interest in Dearfield and even putting it up for sale, Oliver Toussaint Jackson could never regain the town's footing. He passed away in 1948.
Since its official closure, Dearfield has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Colorado Registered Historic Landmark.
Today, you will also find a marker describing the history of the deserted town.
When you visit today, you will find an area that is hauntingly quiet and beautiful, as well as many of the old homes and businesses that made this historical town so unique.
Have you visited this haunting town? Let us know in the comments. For even more incredible Colorado ghost towns, you will want to Visit These 5 Creepy Ghost Towns In Colorado At Your Own Risk.
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