Nearly-Abandoned Colorado Town Named After a Cow

Colorado is home to countless tiny, historic towns with origins that date back to the 1800s, many of which sit abandoned. However, not all of these historic towns are considered ghost towns, as while old and nearly abandoned, many of them still boast a modest number of residents.

Read More: See Last Chance Colorado's Abandoned Motel |

One of these towns that is still holding onto a handful of residents, a place called Gulnare, Colorado, has an especially interesting story regarding the origin of its name.

Where is Gulnare, Colorado?

Gulnare, Colorado, is located just north of the New Mexico border in the southeastern corner of the state near Aguilar.

What is the History of Gulnare, Colorado?

Gulnare, Colorado, was originally founded in the late 1800s as a ranching and farming community.

Originally known as Abeyton, Gulnare served as home to the families of coal miners who worked in nearby Aguilar. At its peak, Gulnare was home to a variety of homes, a post office, a school, a church, and multiple small businesses.

How Did Gulnare, Colorado, Get Its Name?

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gulnare, Colorado, is the origin of its name.

Get our free mobile app

When the original Abeyton post office closed its doors in 1890, residents decided to give the town a fresh, new name.

It's been said that an envelope showed up at the post office suggesting that the town be renamed Gulnare after a champion Hereford named Lady Gulnare.

The suggestion was accompanied by a drawing with the caption, "Princess Gulnare."