Keota
Dust Bowl Emptied the Town
State: Colorado
County: Weld County
Founded: 1888
Abandoned: 1960s
Peak Population: 250
Keota thrived on farming until the Dust Bowl. The 1930s droughts destroyed agriculture, and the population fled. A handful of residents remain in this nearly abandoned prairie town.
Farming Era
Keota served dryland wheat farmers on the Colorado high plains. The town had a school, churches, and businesses.
Dust Bowl
When the rains stopped and the dust came, Keota's economy collapsed. Most farmers gave up and left.
Timeline
- 1888 - Founded Railroad brought settlers
- 1920s - Peak Farming community
- 1930s - Dust Bowl Drought devastated region
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Quick Facts
- Classic Dust Bowl ghost town
- Some residents remain
- Original buildings still standing
Location
Address: Keota, Colorado
Coordinates: 40.7856, -104.0408