Animal Forks Colorado

Animas Forks is located more than 2 miles above sea level at an elevation of 11,300 feet. In 1875, it boasted of being the "largest town in the world" and in small print, "at this altitude.". In 1876 it had a population of about 450 and had 30 cabins, a hotel, general store, saloon, (of course), and its own Post Office. By 1883 they had added their own newspaper, the "Animas Forks Pioneer". In 1884 they had a blizzard that lasted for 23 days, dumping over 25 feet of snow on them. They had to tunnel through the snow to go anywhere. Avalanches were a big problem here also, so I'm amazed that the buildings in this town are still in as good a shape as they are.

There is a beautiful old house still standing in Animas Forks there is some conflict as to who owned the home, some say it was Evelyn Walsh McLean, she was the daughter of Tom Walsh who discovered the famous Campbird Mine and was once the owner of the Hope Diamond. I've also heard that it belonged to the Duncan Family. I don't know what the true answer to this one is. But I fell in love with this home.