Each year thousands of people journey to see what still exists from the fascinating gold rush days. The San Juan mountain region is full of mining camps, ghost towns, mills and other mining structures that were centers of activity over a century ago. Every settlement has its own special history that was molded by its industrious and dedicated people. Prospectors headed to the mountains motivated by their dreams. As gold strikes were made, communities popped up as tent cities. Gradually the tents were replaced by log cabins. When a sawmill was completed, frame structures were built. Stores with massive false fronts were erected shoulder-to-shoulder. Many towns have withstood the test of time while others are in various stages of decay. To tour these sites is exhilarating. The flapping shutters and creaking boards will amplify your imagination. So should this book.