The drive up

I have to wonder what these guys would think if they were alive today! John Henry "Doc" Holliday (1851 - 1887) was a dentist (hence his nickname). But when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1873, he moved out west hoping the drier climate might help. There he turned to gambling (far more lucrative than dentistry), heavy drinking and acquired a reputation as a deadly gunman. Now he's a parking attendant of sorts!

In 1859, John Gregory discovered gold in a gulch just east of here. Within 2 month, the population grew to 10,000 people seeking their fortunes. It became known as "the richest square mile on earth." It was a true Wild West town. In 1861 alone, the city recorded 217 fist fights, 97 revolver fights, 11 knife fights... and one dog fight. Amazingly, no one was killed. Among numerous other claims to fame, the first Stetson hat was manufactured here.

Gambling was big here back in the 1880's, pulling in the likes of Doc Holliday. Today it still draws in customers.

Main Street. Almost all of the buildings are original, from over 100 years ago. In 1874, most of the buildings were destroyed by a fire but was quickly rebuilt using brick and stone.

The deserted streets made if feel like a ghost town! But this was a town of casinos, and I later discovered that everyone was inside. I stopped into the Century Casino. I was asked if I was 21 then directed downstairs. The upstairs was tiny with just a few card tables... but downstairs was enormous! It was like its own city, filled with red lush velvet, brilliant lights, throngs of people, and countless slot machines. It was hard to find my way back!

Doc's casino... that we have to thank for our free parking

The only original swinging doors in the county (perhaps even the state)!

We made our way to the end of the street and stopped into the visitor center. We enjoyed some of the old photos on display then wandered the streets a bit more.

The tourist office was originally home to the Zanella and Mathes Saloon.

Ouch!

Friends... 1932

The Central City grade school class photo, late 1890's

New basketball uniforms for the high school

The Opera House was opened in 1878.

Heading back to the car via Main Street

Next we decided to visit the cemetery. The road started out well but got a little rougher by the time we reached the place. Parking was a bit iffy because of all the soft ground and deep ditches lining the road. We finally found a lot that wasn't too sandy... since I didn't have a 4-wheel drive like all the other vehicles we saw up here.

We could have spent hours here... there were so many interesting headstones.

The Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rocky Mountain Lodge #2. While this looked like the way in, it was actually locked...

This was the real way in.

Is this a hope or a definitive plan?

A small toy lay next to the grave... clearly a recent addition. The question is whether the addition was intentional or not.

Eventually it was time to head home.

Some mining ruins