Julesburg, Colorado is so small that you could drive past it and almost miss it. With less than 1,300 residents, there's not much going on in the quiet, agricultural statutory town. Nonetheless, this northern Colorado location has a lot of interesting history to it - including scandal, violence, and four lives.

The Town's Four Lives

Now, considered the northernmost town in the state, Julesburg's original location was actually in a different spot. It was first established as a trading post and saloon in 1858, by namesake and western outlaw, Jules Beni. At this time, the town was situated on the south side of the Platte River, between the present-day towns of Ovid and Julesburg. For the next few years, Julesburg became a part of the Pony Express route from Missouri to California and more people began moving into the vicinity. By 1862, it had its own post office, multiple businesses, including a hotel, and was a prominent stop along the Overland Trail.

Beni was appointed as station master by the Overland Stage and subsequently coordinated freight and passenger traffic through town. However, it's believed that Beni was actually coordinating attacks and raids on the wagons passing through, with his men disguised as Native Americans to take the fall. Beni allegedly hid his loot inside a cave approximately four miles outside of town. But when the property owner, Uberto Gabello, started charging tourists to view the hole in the ground, Beni shot and killed the Italian miner. Karma was repaid when Beni, himself, was violently murdered by his successor, Jack Slade.

Amidst the increasing violence, the first Julesburg was destroyed by an Indian raid and burned to the ground in 1865. Surprisingly, many soldiers and civilians survived the brutal attack.

For better protection, the remaining residents rebuilt a second Julesburg next to the army post of Fort Sedgwick. The second townsite didn't last long though.

A third Julesburg was founded when the end of the railroad track was moved several miles east. The newly built railroad construction camp attracted a load of new residents, including gamblers, prostitutes, tough thugs, and soldiers. Bars, gambling halls, brothels, and boarding houses also began popping up in town and the population grew to nearly 3,000 people. This version of Julesburg was referred to as “The Wickedest City in the West.” Both men and women walked the streets fully armed during these years.

When the railroad tracks continued to stretch farther west, the fourth Julesburg was developed at the junction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Denver Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad. It was initially known as Denver Junction, but the town was renamed Julesburg. The town was officially incorporated in 1886. The location of the fourth and present-day Julesburg was chosen to minimize flooding from the South Platte River. This final incarnation of the town is about four miles east of where the third Julesburg was.

Today, agriculture is the backbone of Julesburg's economy.

The Ghosts of Julesburg

Motorists traveling along Highway 138 have seen and spoken to apparitions of old cowboys, allegedly from the first Julesburg.

It's also believed that the spirits of Jules Beni and Uberto Gabello haunt the area, especially inside the Italian Caves.

Jack Slade's ghost is said to haunt the site of the first Julesburg. Described as mean and brimming with anger, Slade's lingering soul is not one to mess with. Those who have seen Slade in spirit form say he's easily recognizable, with two shrunken blackened ears dangling from his watch chain.

Ghosts from the third Julesburg include a teamster named Blacksnake and a forlorn saloon singer named Gypsy. It's advised not to look Gypsy's ghost in the eyes.

Visiting Julesburg

The rich history of Julesburg is on display year-round at the Fort Sedgwick Museum, located at 114 E 1st Street. During the summer season, the Julesburg Depot Museum at 201 W 1st Street is also a good spot for a history lesson. Driving the South Platte River Trail scenic byway is another way to experience the historic Colorado town, plus see Colorado’s only Pony Express home station and Fort Sedgwick.