Garnet – Montana’s Best Kept Ghost Town Secret
Nestled high in the rugged mountains of west-central Montana lies a relic of the American West, a silent sentinel of a bygone era: Garnet. While some ghost towns have embraced commercialism, transforming into living museums or tourist attractions, Garnet remains a true ghost town, a place where the whispers of history linger in the weathered timbers and empty streets. It’s a place where the past is palpable, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine life during Montana’s gold rush days.
Exploring ghost towns offers a unique and engaging way to connect with the history of the American West. Unlike sanitized museum exhibits, these abandoned settlements offer a raw and authentic glimpse into the lives of the men and women who shaped the frontier. Towns like Oatman, Arizona, thrive by capitalizing on their historical significance, but Garnet offers a different experience: a genuine encounter with a forgotten past.
For those familiar with Montana’s more well-known ghost towns, such as Virginia City or Bannack, a visit to Garnet promises an equally intriguing, if not more profound, experience. Its remote location, perched at 6,000 feet in the pine-forested mountains east of Missoula, lends it an air of isolation and authenticity that is increasingly rare in today’s world. The lack of heavy tourism and commercialization allows visitors to connect with the history of the site on a more personal level.
The story of Garnet begins at the turn of the 20th century. The town’s name derives from the semi-precious garnet stones that were initially mined in the area, predating the discovery of gold. Like many mining towns of the era, Garnet was not built with permanence in mind. Structures were hastily erected to accommodate the influx of miners and entrepreneurs seeking their fortunes. Yet, remarkably, many of these buildings, constructed without proper foundations, still stand today, a testament to the enduring spirit of the town and the resilience of its builders.
The initial discovery of gold in First Chance Gulch in 1865 spurred placer mining activities in the area that would later become Garnet. However, the town’s true boom began in 1895, triggered by a substantial gold strike at the Nancy Hanks Mine. The following year, the Nancy Hanks Mine yielded a staggering $690,000, fueling a surge of investment and attracting mining companies to Garnet. This influx of wealth transformed the town into a bustling hub of activity, a testament to the allure of gold and the promise of prosperity.
During its heyday, Garnet boasted a vibrant community, far exceeding the simple image of a rough-and-tumble mining camp. The town’s infrastructure included four hotels, four general stores, two barbershops, a butcher shop, a doctor’s office, and even laundry facilities. Notably, Garnet supported a staggering thirteen saloons, reflecting the miners’ thirst for entertainment and camaraderie after long days in the mines.
Despite its isolated location, Garnet fostered a sense of community that distinguished it from many other mining towns. A school served the needs of local families, and daily stagecoach transportation connected Garnet to Bearmouth and Coloma. Supplies were readily available from Missoula and Deer Lodge, a three-day journey away. The population swelled to an estimated 1,200 residents at its peak, creating a diverse and dynamic social environment.
Life in Garnet extended beyond the pursuit of gold and the support of mining operations. Residents actively participated in dances, parties, picnics, and fishing trips, fostering a genuine sense of community. While saloons, gambling, and prostitution were present, as in many mining towns, they were subject to a degree of control, with the local jail serving as a deterrent against excessive rowdiness.
However, the prosperity of Garnet was not destined to last. Approximately twenty years after its establishment, the gold reserves began to dwindle. By 1905, the majority of mines had been abandoned, and the population dwindled to a mere 150 residents. A devastating fire in 1912 further crippled the town, destroying many of its commercial establishments. The town was never fully rebuilt, and the lure of employment opportunities during World War I enticed the remaining residents to seek new lives elsewhere.
Garnet experienced a brief resurgence in 1934, spurred by President Roosevelt’s decision to raise the price of gold from $16 to $32 per ounce. This price increase drew miners back to Garnet‘s abandoned buildings, and the mines were briefly reactivated. However, this revival was short-lived. World War II brought new challenges, including restrictions on dynamite use, making mining operations increasingly difficult. By 1940, Garnet was once again deserted, its fate seemingly sealed.
In the years following its final abandonment, Garnet fell victim to looting and vandalism. Recognizing the historical significance of the site, preservation efforts began in 1970. Today, Garnet is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Garnet Preservation Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and interpreting the town’s history.
Visitors to Garnet can explore approximately thirty remaining buildings, including a log and frame cabin, a general store, a saloon, and the remnants of the J.K. Wells Hotel. Several miners’ cabins also stand as silent witnesses to the lives of those who once called Garnet home. A visitor center provides information, books, and gifts, and self-guided trails allow visitors to explore the historic site at their own pace.
Garnet is accessible year-round, although access is limited during the winter months. From January 1st through April 30th, the road is closed to wheeled vehicles, and access is primarily via snowmobile or cross-country skis. During the summer months, visitors can rent cabins within Garnet or participate in guided tours.
Adding to the mystique of Garnet is its reputation as a haunted ghost town. One of the most frequently cited haunted locations is Kelly’s Saloon, where visitors and caretakers have reported hearing the sounds of music and laughter, even during the quietest winter months. Unexplained footsteps and doors closing on their own have also been reported in the old Wells Hotel. Interestingly, these phenomena often cease as soon as someone approaches the building, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue.
Whether or not visitors encounter any paranormal activity, a visit to Garnet is sure to be a memorable experience. The town’s authenticity, coupled with its remote location and the echoes of its past, create a unique and unforgettable journey back in time. Unlike many other historic sites that have been heavily commercialized, Garnet offers a genuine encounter with the past, a chance to connect with the stories of the men and women who once sought their fortunes in this remote corner of Montana.
Visiting Garnet is more than just a tour; it’s an adventure.