Candelaria

Candelaria was the first big mining boom town the railroad was headed for. By the time the railroad reached there in 1882, the boom was on its downward side. To get to Candelaria the railroad built a branch line that included two large trestles. The Candelaria branch as it was dubbed, hung on until the early 1900’s. By 1932 when the long abandoned rails were finally pulled, Candelaria was a full fledged ghost town. Late 20th century open pit mining resulted in a portion of the town site being obliterated. Today, one can walk the grade and listen to the wind slowly covering the final remains of the past. To see more pictures of Candelaria go here.