In 1863, Hugh McCammon left his roots in Missouri and traveled to the Central City-Black Hawk mining camps and worked in a foundry. He then became a teamster driving freight wagons to and from Denver, but he was always looking for that "mother lode."
In 1868, he homesteaded near Ralston Creek inside of today's Golden Gate State Park, constructed a cabin and cleared the land for crops. He proclaimed himself as a farmer but soon discovered that the growing season was far too short and turned to ranching. A year later, McCammon and his partner, George Lytle, struck it rich with their discovery of rich silver lodes, the Caribou and Poorman. The two men platted the town of Caribou that grew to include over 60 structures. McCammon sold his share in these mines in 1870.
Homestead: McCammon Homestead.
Where: Gilpin County, Golden Gate State Park, requires a quarter-mile hike.
What: Collapsed remains of homestead buildings; interpretive sign.
McCammon "proved up" his homestead and received title to the land. He used his newfound wealth to purchase nearby homesteads until he commanded over 1,000 acres. He called his place Mountain Ranch.
Despite the isolation of his ranch, McCammon was involved in community affairs and founded a bank in Central City. He also gave the local school district two acres along Golden Gate Canyon for a one-room schoolhouse.
In 1874, McCammon married his childhood sweetheart and four years later they settled down on a farm north of the city of Boulder. The couple raised four children. During this time, McCammon served on the Colorado Territorial Council and statehood was gained in 1876. He also contributed money to start the University of Colorado. McCammon passed away in 1893 at the age of only 56.
McCammon's son and his family moved to Mountain Ranch and raised cattle using the ranch for summer pasture. They sold the ranch in 1922. Subsequently, it was purchased by the state of Colorado for Golden Gate State Park.
To reach the collapsed remains of the McCammon homestead, take Colorado 46 into Golden Gate State Park past the visitors center to Kriley Pond. The Mountain Base Road leaves the highway and climbs into a high meadow. At Bootleg Bottom, a trail crosses the road. The trail down to the McCammon homestead site is to the west past a picnic table.
Kenneth Jessen has been a Loveland resident since 1965. He is an author of 18 books and more than 1,300 articles. He was an engineer for Hewlett-Packard for 33 years and now works as a full-time author, lecturer and guide.