Chandler, CO
N 38° 22.665 W 105° 12.263
13S E 482148 N 4247748
Chandler is was a coal mining camp in Fremont County, Colorado
Waymark Code: WMDJ4W
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 01/19/2012
Views: 10
The town of Chandler was named after a Confederate sympathizer, Asa C. Chandler, who lived in the area from 1861 to 1863. That year “Ace” left to enlist in the confederate army and never to be seen again.
The name Chandler stuck and was platted a town in 1890 by the Western Fuel Company of Pueblo. In April 1902, with 69 ballots voting for and one for of negatism, Chandler was incorporated.
Chandler was one of several coal camps in the area and had the title of the “Prettiest” because of the beautification program, offering cash rewards for the best kept yards. This was started by the Victor Fuel Company, later known as the Victor American Fuel Company. This was the company that operated the “company owned” town.
A population of 600 at its peak and over 100 homes, the town had a school which was also used as its community building. They also had a church, a company run general store, a saloon and a boarding house. Chandler did not have a business district.
Chandler boasted its own medical plan and its own doctor. Dr. A.C. Warosill was the company physician and each family had a contribution of $1 per month and was matched by Victor American.
The Chandler Mine had a shaft of 550 feet deep and entries sloping to another 200 feet. After workers entered the mine some would have to walk over 3 miles just to get to where they were working for that day.
During the 1913 - 14 the miners went on strike and violence erupted over scab labor. The company tried to bring in laborers and firearms on both sides were taken up. The result was a 36 hour gun battle on April 25 1914, in Chandler and William King. One miner was shot in the forehead. The shots could be heard as far away as Canon City.
The mine was closed in 1942, the town of Chandler was dismantled. Houses were sold for $50 - 100 a room and moved to different parts of the county. As you drive through the area today you will see some foundations. Chandler is only a memory today.
Reason for Abandonment: Economic
Date Abandoned: 01/01/1942
Related Web Page: Not listed
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