Cripple Creek was a sleepy Colorado town, until 1891, when Robert Womack, a cowboy who died a pauper discovered gold was in nearby Poverty Gulch. Winfield Scott Stratton, who had amassed more than 20 million dollars, discovered gold in Victor, a very short distance away from Cripple Creek.

So, popular was Cripple Creek, that in the 10 years since the discovery, 3 railways serviced the area. At the turn of the century the population had reached a staggering 50,000. Several disasters plagued the city including a devastating fire ( in 1894 ) and labor unrest ( 1903 - 1904 ). But the gold was worked hard and furious until that fateful year of 1920 - 1921 when the ore petered out and Cripple Creek turned into a ghost town.

So, here are checks written in the year of decline ( 1920 - 21 ) from the Treasurer of the City of Cripple Creek, each signed by the Mayor. The yellow background checks feature an attractive vignette of an Indian maiden leaning against the Colorado State shield, all in very fine condition.