Animas Forks Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
(regular)
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EL: 11,357' Accessibility: May thru October
One of our favoerite ghost towns in the San Juans because so many different 4x4 trails converge here. The only approach not requiring four wheel drive (hence, the 2.5 terrain) is from Silverton on Colorado 110. We placed our cache, an ammo can, out of town up above the Columbus Mill and Mine where you will have a great view for photos. It's possible to park within 300' of cache.
From BLM description: "Animas Forks, named for the three forks of the Animas River, which flows through the townsite. Animas Forks is tucked away twelve miles northeast of Silverton, Colorado, at 11,200 feet — more than two miles — above sea level The town's first log cabin was built in 1873; by 1876, this bustling mining community boasted 30 cabins, a hotel, a general store, a saloon, and a post office. The population of Animas Forks grew to about 450 people by 1883. The town also had a newspaper, The Animas Forks Pioneer, published from June 1882 through October 1886 at the highest newspaper printing plant in the history of the United States. Every fall, most residents left in a mass exodus to "warmer" Silverton. In 1884, Animas Forks suffered a blizzard that lasted 23 days and dumped 25 feet of snow on the town. Residents dug tunnels to get from building to building.Before Silverton became an incorporated town, Animas Forks was the San Juan County seat, where court cases were heard. One man who didn't like the outcome of his trial promised, "I'll take this to a higher court!" Responded the wry judge, "There is no higher court in Colorado."
There are about ten well preserved buildings, note the Duncan Mansion with the Bay windows. Enjoy this great history lesson. Amy & michael
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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