The ghost town of Independence, Colorado sits at around 10,900 ft along the west side of Independence Pass between Aspen and Leadville. Discovered on July 4, 1879, the lode at Independence soon sparked a town with a population that reached 1,500. Within twelve years, Independence was mined and abandoned. During its hay-day, Independence was known by other names, such as Chipeta, Mammouth City, Mount Hope, Farwell and Sparkill.
