Oro City
Ghost town in Lake County, Colorado · Leadville district
Founded
1860
Peak Population
~5,000
Elevation
10,100 ft
Primary Industry
gold
County
Lake
Coordinates
39.2347, -106.2522
History
Colorado's first major gold camp in the California Gulch area. Boomed to 5,000 by 1860 but was nearly abandoned by 1865 when placer gold ran out. The 1874 discovery that the annoying 'heavy black sand' was actually silver-bearing cerussite led to the founding of Leadville nearby.
Visiting Oro City
What remains: Very little remains. Site is near modern Leadville.
Access: Accessible by car near Leadville.
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Oro City?
Oro City is located in Lake County, Colorado, in the Leadville area at an elevation of 10,100 ft, coordinates 39.2347, -106.2522.
Can you visit Oro City today?
Accessible by car near Leadville.
What remains at Oro City?
Very little remains. Site is near modern Leadville.