Kokomo was once a thriving community, providing men to work in the nearby Climax Mine. Today, the valley only shows signs of mine tailings -- evidence of the valley's most important industry. At its height, Kokomo was the commercial hub of a 10-mile mining district. Although it may be hard to envision by looking at the desolate valley today, at one time there were 12 hotels, 5 general stores, 20 saloons, 4 dance halls, several brothels, 1 newspaper, and many other businesses. Fire destroyed the town in 1881, and despite efforts to restore the area, it never happened.
(From US Department of Transportation)