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Malta, CO Malta is located at the mouth of California Gulch near Leadville. This is where some of the first discoveries of gold were made that quickly ignited a boom in the area around Leadville. The first ore smelter built in the area was located at Malta. It was constructed in 1875 and processed ore from the Homestake region. In addition to the important supply and smelting operations, Malta was a local landmark because of its horse racetrack. The track was started in 1879 and was the showplace of the carbonate kings of Leadville. Here they could parade their prize horses and other fancy fines. By 1881 additional smelters were operating in Malta along with four hotels, a brewery, homes, shops and saloons. The permanent population was over 300 and booming. By 1884 the place was just a junction for the railroad. Fortunes had turned in the area. Most of the good ore was played out and newer, more modern smelters had been started closer to Leadville. The smelters at Malta never were very successful. Most folks up and left town and just a few remained for the future where Malta would be more or less a ghost town.
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