Sandstone Ranch

The city of Longmont is home to many historical buildings dating back to the mid- to late 19th century and early 20th century, so it’s no surprise that some of these locations are rumored to be haunted.

These ghost stories are a mystery as to what may be happening in some of the city’s popular businesses and attractions. We explore the Sandstone Ranch homestead and the history of the Coffin family that resided there. 

Born in 1836, Morse Coffin grew up on an Illinois farm. He became an accomplished farmer, running his father’s homestead by the age of 21. However, wanderlust set in for the young Coffin. So, on May 5, 1859 he set out with two of his friends and headed west. On July 18, the trio arrived in Boulder, Colorado where Morse settled in and became a sawyer, working on timber. He also dabbled in prospecting, but he eventually went back to his farming roots. With money earned from his hard work, he purchased a 160-acre homestead about 3.5 miles east of the intersection of Longmont’s present-day highways 287 and 119.

Morse Coffin

Morse began to work the farm, which he would eventually add 200 more acres to, and his brothers Reuben and George Coffin relocated to work on the farm as well. In 1860, the Sandstone Ranch house was built along the banks of the St. Vrain River. The house gets its name from the surrounding sandstone bluffs that act as a natural barrier from Colorado’s strong winds. That very sandstone was quarried onsite to build the home. Today, the home is on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Longmont Historic Landmark.

The farm had flourished by 1865, so Morse returned to Illinois to marry Julia Dunbar. The two returned to the farm in 1866 and raised five children. Later, Julia's sister, Etta Dunbar Kelso came to live with them. Morse passed away in 1913, and Julia died in 1926. They reside in Mountain View Cemetery, 62 11th Ave, in Longmont along with one of their sons. Sandstone Ranch remained in the Coffin family until 1981 when it was purchased by the Bigelow family. The Bigelows renovated the home and sold it to the City of Longmont in the 1990s.

 

So where do the ghosts come in to the story? Well, since the city took over the property, the home became a visitor and learning center. The center hosts special events, tours and educational seminars about the natural area and wildlife found on the property and the history of the homestead. 

Some employees have reported some mysterious events that have happened in the home. When employees have locked the doors to the bedrooms when closing up at night, they often have come back in the morning to find certain bedroom doors unlocked and wide open. A tourist, who claimed to be a psychic, visiting the home declared she saw the spirit of a either a girl or young woman who was “desperately unhappy.” Rumors are that the unhappy spirit is that of Julia's sister, Etta Dunbar Kelso. 

Ice-House-at-Sandstone-Ranch

The author of Haunted Longmont, held a ghost hunting fundraiser in the home in January 2014. He was joined by members of the Boulder County Paranormal Research Society and the general public. The group spent the night in the home. They experienced many odd occurrences including room temperature changes, strange noises, equipment failures, flickering lights and possible spirit sightings. Their findings were contaminated by untrained public participants and are inconclusive.

So, decide for yourself. Is the Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center haunted? Plan to visit the property during one of their many special events or tours or stop by on your own time to enjoy the outdoor views and take a walk along the Greenway. It’s a beautiful property with a rich history, and the scenery is pastoral. The property sits along the St. Vrain Greenway and offers a glimpse of local wildlife.  Click here for more information about tours, special events and classes at Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center.

 

 

The information for this post was collected from Haunted Longmont by Richard Estep. Get your copy today at one of our local bookstores, Barbed Wire Books or Used Book Emporium.

Haunted-Longmont

Haunted Longmont by Richard Estep