Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Colorado

Forbes

A ghost town of unknown status in Las Animas County, Colorado.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Forbes ghost town, Colorado
Plate I — Forbes, ColoradoPhoto: Unknown authorUnknown author (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Every ghost town is a bet that didn't pay off. Forbes just shows the receipt more honestly than most. William James Forbes (August 24, 1874 – June 18, 1900) was an American college football and college baseball coach.

Las Animas County holds 13 documented ghost towns, including Abeyta, Berwind, Beshoar — Forbes keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Forbes

Colorado's high-country ghost towns sit at altitudes that would give a flatlander nosebleeds — silver camps killed by an 1893 vote in Washington.

William James Forbes (August 24, 1874 – June 18, 1900) was an American college football and college baseball coach. He served as the first ever head football coach at Colorado Agricultural College — now known as Colorado State University — in 1899, compiling a record of 0–2–1. Forbes was also the head baseball coach at the University of Vermont for one season in 1898, tallying a mark of 9–7. He was a native of Shoreham, Vermont.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Forbes is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Forbes is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

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Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Forbes FAQs

01Where is Forbes located?
Forbes is in Las Animas County, Colorado. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Forbes in?
Forbes sits in Las Animas County, Colorado. See our full guide to ghost towns in Las Animas County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Forbes?
William James Forbes (August 24, 1874 – June 18, 1900) was an American college football and college baseball coach.
04What remains at Forbes today?
The on-the-ground condition of Forbes is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
05Can you visit Forbes?
Here's the honest truth: access to Forbes is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“W. J. Forbes”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Las Animas County

All 13 ghost towns in Las Animas County →