Written by Randy Shaffren, an Aspen Historical Society research intern in 1986, the paper provides insights into the history of the Ghost Town of Independence.

Introduction:

Fireworks, firewater, and fights was how most of America celebrated their country’s Independence day more than a hundred years ago. But one miner turned his back on such transient pleasures. and traveling what was then known as Hunters Pass, along the top of the Continental Divide, crossed over into Ute territory. A few miles west of the summit he spotted a likely looking geological formation of honeycombed quartz, chipped away at it, and discovered a gold strike
which he named Independence in honor of the day.