Gold was discovered in Congress in 1884 and more than 400 men came to work the mines aided by the addition of the railroad. This structure predates the 1900's. There used to be a row of several of them, 7 or 8 if I'm correct. It was originally used as a miner's house then later as a ""crib"" (or a house for prostitution). When the mines ceased to operate after the 1930's business in the area dwindled off and moved away. The building was then rented on and off to tenants and eventually rented out as a small store for, no less... mining supplies. It's been abandoned for several years now but there's still a few signs and countertop inside that would let you know you could once purchase supplies there. On careful inspection the original colors seem to be white walls with a light or pale green (similar to Penn Central green).