Old Carbon Today

2000-2022:

What does Old Carbon look like today? Why did the people came to Carbon and why did they stay in the coal camp even after experiencing low wages and harsh living conditions? We discovered that in many cases, the folks thought themselves much better off in Carbon than where they originally came from. The following is a small portion of what we found and experienced over the years. (Bob Leathers)

Ghost Town of Carbon, 2018 (Image by Bob Leathers)

The Carbon Coal Camp is located in the wide open prairie. No trees for miles and miles around. Living conditions seemed to be harsh and unforgiving. Plenty of wildlife fill the area with sage chickens, antelope, deer and even a few elk. Yes, we even found a few rattlesnakes.

Carbon. Town Markers. (Gert Milliken Collection from Gary Milliken) (Hanna Basin Museum Website)

Over time, we discover Carbon was not about its looks or location. It was about the people - the immigrants - who lived there.

Carbon State Bank. Organized Dec. 9th, 1881. Located on the South West corner of the Union Pacific Store (Image by Bob Leathers - Hanna Basin Museum Website)

Folks with a connections to Carbon tried to preserve the history. Richard Fisher was one of those people. He loved Carbon and it showed. He and a few people like him were responsible for placing location signs around the town.

Rock foundation for the Union Pacific Company Store. (Image by Bob Leathers)

The many rock foundations are impressive - even today. Most of the wood used on the buildings has rotted away or hauled away. Much of it was also burned in campfires built by hunters. The town site was a favorite hunting and camping spot after the closing of the town.