Michael Chamak

Showdown on Car 50

The town of Willow Point was one of those small towns that were perpetually on the brink of collapse. It was established near the border of Utah and Colorado in 1852 and stood there until 1904. It was never the biggest town, nor the wealthiest. The people were there to live simple lives, away from both the gold rush and industry, while still keeping the idea of community alive. Population was small; only about 500 people lived in there at its peak in the 1860’s. As the years went on and the people refused to adapt it became increasingly obvious that all it would take was one unfortunate event to cement the town’s inevitable demise. I’ve always said that event happened on August 5th, 1883, with the disappearance of Sheriff James Greene.