Ironton was established in 1893 and quickly grew to have 300 buildings due to its flat terrain. Located only seven miles south of Ouray, it became an important transportation hub for the Red Mountain District mining camps. During its peak in the late 1800s, Ironton had a population of around 1000 residents, with its own mines, daily trains, chain stores, and other amenities. However, as mining activity declined in the early 1900s, the population gradually decreased.