Historic Colorado Mining Town is Home to the Oldest Operating School

Thankfully, a number of reminders of Colorado's past are still around today, and some of these historic places are still operating in the modern era just as they once did in the state's infancy.

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One of these places is located in a community that, in terms of population, has been in danger of becoming a ghost town but has still hung on and is home to the oldest continuously operating school in Colorado.

Where is Gold Hill, Colorado?

Gold Hill, Colorado, is a small, historic town just outside of Boulder near Salina and Sugarloaf.

History of Gold Hill, Colorado

The town of Gold Hill, Colorado, not only has roots that date back to the gold rush that essentially served as the catalyst to the creation of the state we all know and love today, but it was also the site of the first major discovery of gold in Colorado back in 1859.

Prior to becoming an official town, Gold Hill was a prominent mining camp during the gold rush, with its population reaching an estimated 1,500 people at one point.

Gold Hill, Colorado Today

In 2023, the Gold Hill School celebrated its 150th anniversary, an event that simultaneously celebrated its status as the oldest continuously operating school in the state.

According to the 2020 census, Gold Hill, Colorado, is currently home to a mere 218 residents.