Conger's Camp

Colonel Samuel Conger seemed to be just about everywhere in Colorado at one time or another, and where he went, he often discovered what would develop into a well paying mine.

Conger's Camp, on the banks of Indiana Creek was no exception.

First he discovered the Caribou Mine, one of the richest silver mines in the state. Then, he was largely responsible for starting the tungsten boom near Nederland.

Later, in 1879, he located the Dianthe Mine and the camp that grew up around it was named for him.

Usually called Conger's Camp, but alternatively called Conger Camp, or even just Conger, the place had high hopes for a huge boom. There certainly were good mines near here, including the Dianthe itself, and Warrior's Mark at nearby Dyersville.

A year after it was founded, it claimed about forty businesses including a post office and a fifteen stamp mill. It even had its own saw mill and it survived for a time after the boom as a logging camp.

The troubles that plagued Conger's Camp were familiar, including a labor shortage, and mines that promised more than they could deliver. At first the mines paid very well, as much as $22,000 per ton, but they quickly played out. By 1883, the post office had shut its doors and Conger's Camp was largely abandoned.

Very little remains today to show that this place was ever more than just a stray miner's cabin here and there.