Many prairie towns grew up with the trains and died when the trains stopped rumbling through the station. Others grew up with the cattle and agriculture and died when the droughts (or Dust Bowl) hit. The little town of Last Chance, CO grew up with the automobile and died when I-70 was constructed, taking traffic on a quicker, easier route that bypassed this prairie town.

Daniel McAdams Photography
Last Chance was a major stop in eastern Colorado. Located at the junction of routes 36 and 71, it was the literal last chance a traveller had to stop for food, gas, or rest.
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
It was once full of cafes and motels, all lit up with neon lights. Then, the interstate highway system was born. With traffic now diverted and travelling along I-70 to the south, the town slowly died.
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography

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Daniel McAdams Photography
Not much remains now. A fire in 2012 burned down most of the buildings.
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
The abandoned Dairy King sits in a state of forgotten remodelling, and the old Last Chance Motel sits derelict and decaying.
Daniel McAdams Photography
Daniel McAdams Photography
A few abandoned houses are scattered throughout the town, and a handful of people do still reside in Last Chance.
Daniel McAdams Photography

The cafes are gone. The neon lights are gone. The town is almost gone. You never know when your “last chance” to see this piece of Colorado history will be.

Have you visited Last Chance? Did you find anything cool? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

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