A Journey Through Forgotten Colorado: The Tale of Heath Gay
Eleven years ago, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Colorado Springs, Heath Gay’s life took an unexpected turn. At the time, he was just shy of 40, waking up to a health scare that would ultimately ignite a passion for exploring the hidden gems of his state. “I discovered a growth on my forehead,” he recalls. “By the end of that day, it had doubled in size. I was terrified.” This experience prompted him to reflect on his mortality in a rather unique way — he started visiting cemeteries to ponder his own headstone.
Following his doctor’s reassurance that the growth was treatable, Gay embarked on a mission through various graveyards, both forgotten and well-kept, around Colorado. This unusual path of exploration led him to unearth stories connected to names on gravestones and the ruins of ghost towns. “Realizing that everything is interconnected sent me on a lifelong adventure,” he reminisces.
The Colorado Fan Club
Today, Heath Gay holds the unofficial title of being Colorado’s most passionate fan. He manages the Colorado Fan Club on Facebook, a thriving community of nearly 40,000 followers. Here, he shares captivating content about both well-known landmarks, such as the majestic Pikes Peak, and lesser-known sites, giving his followers a taste of the unexpected.
- Historic photographs from the Colorado Mineral Palace
- Images of an abandoned schoolhouse on the Eastern Plains
- Must-know spots for trying Rocky Mountain Oysters
His ongoing enthusiasm has also resulted in a book series titled “Forgotten Colorado,” which delves into the overlooked areas of the state, exploring the rich narratives behind them. His most recent publication, “Colorado Springs: The Most Significant Sites in the City,” features 75 locations, some of which are celebrated while others are mere whispers in the city’s history.
Highlights from Gay’s Discoveries
| Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Sol’s Dairy Barn | A remnant from 1929, reflecting Colorado’s agricultural history. |
| Tuberculosis Hut | A historic site scattered across private properties. |
| Knob Hill | Site of Nikola Tesla’s experimental work, now a forgotten corner. |
Gay’s mission is clear: to inspire Coloradans to uncover the stories interwoven in their surroundings. “History is present all around us; we just need to take the time to appreciate it,” he emphasizes.
Rooted in Colorado’s History
As a fourth-generation Coloradan, Gay is steeped in the state’s historical narrative. Growing up near Leadville, home to his family’s mining legacy, he was inextricably linked to the region’s past. “I didn’t care for history until facing my own health crisis made me reconsider life and legacy,” he reflects.
Irrespective of his corporate responsibilities as a health and wellness professional, Gay identifies as an “unquenchable Colorado history hunter.” His adventures across the plains have unveiled surprising discoveries about the environment, such as the presence of wildlife like turtles and porcupines.
Whether it’s discovering an adorned outhouse in Arlington or tracing old railroad tracks leading to once-thriving towns, Gay exudes excitement for the hidden treasures of Colorado. “I have difficulty sitting still because I fear missing out on experiences,” he admits, a testament to his adventurous spirit.
As he prepares for his next exploration in the rugged terrain of Colorado’s Western Slope, Heath Gay continues to share the beauty and complexity of the state he loves with his dedicated community, cementing his role as a captivating storyteller and explorer.
