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Rare superbloom commemorates Aspen’s July 4 history of Independence
By River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· July 3, 2026
· 6 min read
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary in tandem with Colorado celebrating its 150th anniversary, Aspen is celebrating its own patriotic anniversary this July 4 when, as legend has it, gold was struck at what is now the Ghost Town of Independence.
And commemorating the extra special holi...
Key takeaway “What’s special about that is we’re in a serious drought and we’re still being treated to this really special sight,” Independence Pass Foundation Executive Director Karin Teague said.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The superbloom of Green Gentian at the Ghost Town of Independence is a poignant reminder of the area's rich mining history, which ultimately led to the founding of Aspen. As the town commemorates the discovery of gold on July 4, 1879, residents can reflect on the significant role Independence played in the development of the Roaring Fork Valley. The fact that this rare bloom is occurring during a drought-stricken summer makes it all the more remarkable, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the area. The history of Independence is deeply intertwined with that of Aspen, and the superbloom serves as a visual connection to the past, highlighting the importance of preserving the area's cultural heritage. As visitors flock to see the bloom, they will also have the opportunity to learn about the town's fascinating history, from its early days as a mining camp to its current status as a ghost town, and appreciate the significance of Independence in the context of Aspen's own history.
About this story
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Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary in tandem with Colorado celebrating its 150th anniversary, Aspen is celebrating its own patriotic anniversary this July 4 when, as legend has it, gold was struck at what is now the Ghost Town of Independence.
And commemorating the extra special holi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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