Ghost Towns & Mining Camps of Montana

Montana, the "Treasure State," holds within its vast landscapes a captivating glimpse into the vibrant, and often turbulent, life of the Old West. This is especially evident in its numerous ghost towns and former mining camps, scattered like forgotten jewels across the state. From the initial glimmer of gold discovered in Gold Creek in 1852 to the explosive gold rush that transformed Bannack in July 1862, Montana’s mountains have yielded fortunes in gold, silver, copper, zinc, and other precious metals. This article explores some of these fascinating locations, ranging from the well-known to the obscure, each whispering tales of boom and bust, dreams and disappointments. These silent sentinels, the ghost towns & mining camps of Montana, offer a tangible connection to a bygone era.

The echoes of the past resonate throughout these sites, often accompanied by legends of outlaw gangs, daring road agents, spectral apparitions, and the ever-elusive promise of hidden treasures. The allure of striking it rich drew countless individuals to Montana, transforming the landscape and leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue and inspire. These settlements, born from the earth’s bounty, frequently faded as quickly as they arose, leaving behind skeletal remains of what once were bustling communities. Exploring the ghost towns & mining camps of Montana is akin to stepping back in time, imagining the sights, sounds, and struggles of those who sought their fortunes in this rugged territory.

This journey into Montana’s past will explore a selection of these fascinating locations. These towns serve as historical markers, testaments to the enduring allure of gold and the fleeting nature of fortune. The ghost towns & mining camps of Montana provide a unique window into the past.

A Journey Through Montana’s Forgotten Communities:

The following list details some of the most intriguing ghost towns and mining camps in Montana, each offering a unique perspective on the state’s rich history.

• Bannack – From Gold to Ghosts: Located in Beaverhead County, Bannack is arguably one of Montana’s most well-preserved ghost towns. Designated a state park, it boasts approximately 50 standing buildings, offering visitors an immersive experience into the life of a 19th-century mining boomtown. Bannack’s story is particularly compelling, as it served as Montana’s first territorial capital, a testament to its early significance. However, lawlessness and hardship plagued the town, contributing to its eventual decline. The preserved buildings of Bannack are a tangible link to Montana’s past, the ghost towns & mining camps of Montana are well represented here.

• Barker & Hughesville – Ghost Camps in the Little Belt Mountains: Nestled in Judith Basin County, these two mining camps lie just two miles apart. Today, Barker and Hughesville offer a more secluded experience, with scattered cabins and remnants of mining operations dotting the landscape. While less intact than Bannack, the quiet solitude of these sites allows for a more contemplative exploration of the past. The setting of Barker and Hughesville, high in the Little Belt Mountains, adds to their remote and atmospheric appeal.

• Basin – Mining Camp to Artist’s Retreat: Situated in Jefferson County, Basin is a semi-ghost town that has managed to retain a small, active community of around 250 residents. While still inhabited, Basin retains numerous historic buildings and mining remains, blending the past with the present. This unique combination gives Basin a distinct character, attracting artists and those seeking a quieter lifestyle amidst the echoes of history.

• Cable: Once a bustling mining camp in Deer Lodge County, Cable has unfortunately suffered a far less fortunate fate. Located on private property, the remaining structures, including the Gold Coin Mine and Mill, have been torn down. This serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of these historical sites and the importance of preservation efforts.

• Castle Town (aka: Castle City, Castle): Located in Meagher County, Castle Town stands as a testament to the ephemeral nature of boomtowns. Now privately owned and devoid of residents, only a handful of buildings remain, offering a glimpse into its past glory.

• Charter Oak Mine & Mill: Located in Powell County, this site features the remnants of a mine, mill, and a few associated buildings. While not a town in the traditional sense, the Charter Oak Mine & Mill offers a glimpse into the industrial side of Montana’s mining history.

• Coloma Mining District: Scattered across Missoula County, the Coloma Mining District features only a few tumbling buildings and scattered mining remains. This area offers a more rugged and less-visited glimpse into Montana’s mining past, rewarding adventurous explorers.

• Comet – Silent on the Eastern Slope: Located in Jefferson County, Comet is characterized by numerous buildings in various states of decay, along with the remnants of mill operations. The town’s silent and weathered appearance creates a haunting atmosphere, evoking the passage of time and the decline of industry.

• Coolidge: Once a thriving mining hub, Coolidge now stands empty, with most of its buildings slowly succumbing to the elements. Despite its dilapidated state, Coolidge’s history as a beehive of mining activity is palpable, making it a poignant reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped Montana’s history.

• Cushman: Located in Golden Valley County, Cushman represents the fading remains of an old ranching town. While not directly tied to mining, Cushman offers a glimpse into the broader history of settlement and development in Montana.

• Elkhorn Survives: Situated in Jefferson County, Elkhorn is a mining camp ghost town that has managed to retain a few residents and several remaining buildings. This unique combination of preservation and continued habitation gives Elkhorn a distinct character, offering a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of living in a historic setting.

• Ewing: Located in Carbon County, Ewing is a ghost ranch situated within the Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area. This remote location offers a unique perspective on the ranching history of Montana, intertwined with the dramatic landscape of the Bighorn Canyon.

• Farlin: Located in Beaverhead County, Farlin is characterized by only a few remaining buildings and scattered mining remains. This quiet and unassuming site offers a glimpse into the smaller, less-known mining operations that contributed to Montana’s rich history.

• Garnet – Best Kept Ghost Town Secret: Located in Granite County, Garnet is a well-preserved mining ghost town managed by the Bureau of Land Management. With several buildings still standing and on-site caretakers, Garnet offers a unique and accessible glimpse into the life of a 19th-century mining community.

• Glendale: See Hecla Mining District.

• Gold Creek: Located in Powell County, Gold Creek holds the distinction of being the site of Montana’s first gold discovery. While the town itself lacks significant mining remains, some evidence of past operations can be found just southwest of the town.

• Granite – Montana’s Silver Queen: Located in Granite County, Granite was once a thriving silver mining camp. Today, several buildings, a mine, and a mill remain, offering a glimpse into the town’s prosperous past.

• Hassel: Located in Broadwater County, Hassel is a mining camp that still hosts an active mining operation alongside a few old buildings. This blend of past and present provides a unique perspective on the enduring legacy of mining in Montana.

• Hecla Mining District: Located in Beaverhead County, the Hecla Mining District encompasses the remains of several mining camps, including Hecla, Glendale, and Lion Mountain. The district offers a glimpse into the interconnected nature of mining operations in the region.

• Homestead: Located in Sheridan County, Homestead is a semi-ghost town that once thrived as a railroad and agricultural center. With less than 50 residents and no active businesses, Homestead offers a glimpse into the decline of rural communities in Montana.

• Independence: Located in Park County, Independence is a mining camp situated high in the Absaroka Range. The site features several buildings, including an old brothel, along with mining remains. Access to Independence requires a high-clearance vehicle, adding to its remote and adventurous appeal.

• Jardine (aka: Bush): Located in Park County, Jardine features mining remains and old cabins, offering a glimpse into the lives of early miners in the region.

• Kendall: Located in Fergus County, Kendall is characterized by mining remains and a few old structures, offering a glimpse into the town’s mining past.

• Kirkville: Located in Clark County, Kirkville features only a few remaining buildings and is located on private property, limiting access for exploration.

• Laurin: Located in Madison County, Laurin is not a ghost town but a preserved mining camp with several historic buildings.

• Lion City: See Hecla Mining District.

• Marysville – Growing Once Again: Located in Lewis and Clark County, Marysville is a mining camp with current residents and a mix of restored, preserved, and tumbling buildings. The reactivation of the mine suggests a potential resurgence for this historic town.

• Nevada City – Outdoor History Museum: Located in Madison County, Nevada City is a one-time mining camp that has been transformed into an outdoor history museum, featuring a collection of original, moved, and recreated buildings.

• Pony: Located in Madison County, Pony is a semi-ghost mining town with active residents, numerous historic buildings, and mining remains.

• Princeton: Located in Granite County, Princeton features only a few dwellings occupied by summer residents.

• Red Bluff: Located in Madison County, Red Bluff features just a couple of buildings and mining remains to the south.

• Rochester: Located in Madison County, Rochester is a mining camp with a few stone buildings and mining remains.

• Rimini Lives On: Located in Lewis and Clark County, Rimini is a mining camp with current residents and several historic buildings.

• Southern Cross: Located in Deer Lodge County, Southern Cross features a few remaining buildings and faces potential endangerment due to redevelopment.

• Vipond/Quartz Hill: Located in Beaverhead County, Vipond/Quartz Hill features a few buildings and mining remains.

• Virginia City – A Lively Ghost Town: Located in Madison County, Virginia City is a restored mining camp that is now a popular tourist destination. The town features numerous historic buildings and a lively atmosphere.

• Zortman: Located in Phillips County, Zortman features mining and building ruins.

These ghost towns & mining camps of Montana offer a glimpse into a world long past.

A Word of Caution and Respect:

As you explore these historic sites, remember to adhere to the Explorer’s Code:

• Take nothing but photos: Preserve the integrity of the sites for future generations.
• Leave nothing but footprints: Avoid littering or disturbing the natural environment.
• Break nothing but silence: Respect the quiet solitude of these historical locations.
• Kill nothing but time: Immerse yourself in the history and atmosphere of these fascinating places.

Montana’s ghost towns and mining camps are a precious legacy, offering a tangible connection to the past. By exploring them with respect and awareness, we can ensure that these stories continue to be told for years to come.