Unlike other ghost towns that were established due to mining or railroad, Dearfield ghost town established in Colorado was different. Dearfield was established in 1910 by a well-known Negro businessman whose aim was to create a colony of African Americans. After only three decades in existence, Dearfield was deserted and left to decay in despair.

Leeway to freedom

Oliver .T. Jackson after working for the government for years, desired to create a black community that offered equal opportunities for its people. Within a short period, Jackson was able to convince more black communities to Dearfield. The small town which majored in farming flourished to the extent of exporting their farm produce to Denver and nearby cities. The population grew to 300 with amenities like church, restaurants, and a school all in the town. The net worth of the town rose from 25,000 US dollars to 1,075, 000 US dollars.

Dearfield downfall

A great economic crisis that affected the whole world in 1930 affected Dearfield town the most as most of the residents left the town during this period to look for better opportunities in bigger cities like Denver. This happened so first and by 1940, only twelve people resided in the town. O.T. Jackson who tried tirelessly to revive the town with no luck died and left his property to his niece. The niece was the last known permanent resident who also died in 1973. Dearfield was officially a rejected deserted town after the death of the niece.

The current condition of the town

Oliver Jackson's home, a gas station, a diner, and a local blacksmith's store are the few deserted buildings that remain. The rest of the structures in the town deteriorated to an unsalvageable state with graffiti all over their dilapidated walls. Although the town has vanished on the surface of the world with only a few structures and signs that there was life in the town, there is still much that can be enjoyed in the ghost town.

Visits at the once-bustling town

Dearfield is open to the public to visit anytime at their convenience. Guided tours are not offered yet by the management but one can just drive around the site to take a trip back memory lane.