Word spread quickly and within a year's time several mines were operating along what was termed the Vulcan vein.

Beginning in 1906, sulfur was mined and shipped until a catastrophic fire ended operations in 1910.

[2][3][4] Vulcan was the most productive mining town to appear along the Gunnison Gold Belt, a gold-rich greenstone belt that spans over 25 miles (40 km) across southern Gunnison County and adjacent Saguache County.

These towns grew rapidly after a strike, were occupied by hundreds of residents within months, and were often abandoned just as quickly.

The camps were a combination of wooden and tent buildings so enduring structures are rare.