Capitol City

Capitol City is a ghost town in Hinsdale County situated above 9,700 feet in the Rocky Mountains with few remaining structures from its silver mining days. The ruins reveal where the post office, smelter, and kilns once operated during the town's peak around 1877.

George Lee founded the town in 1877 initially as Galena City, later renaming it after his dream of it becoming the state capital. As silver prices fell and transportation difficulties mounted, Lee left the area and the town quickly declined into abandonment.

Capitol City's name reflects George Lee's ambition for it to become the state capital, revealing the settlers' dreams for the place. The few remaining structures like the old post office and smelter stack tell a story of past life when visitors walk through the ruins and imagine the activity that once filled these streets.

Capitol City is best visited during warmer months from late May through October when Engineer Pass Road is open from Lake City. The nine-mile route is usually passable for two-wheel-drive vehicles, but caution is needed during poor weather conditions.

Lee built a large mansion featuring a private theater with an orchestra pit for performances, an unusual luxury for a remote mountain town. This ambitious structure reveals the scale of Lee's ambitions before the town rapidly declined.

Location: Hinsdale County

Elevation above the sea: 2,960 m

Address: Lake City, CO 81235, USA

GPS coordinates: 38.00720,-107.46700

Latest update: December 18, 2025 19:01