Gibbonsville, Idaho – Mining Camp to Bedroom Community
Nestled within the rugged embrace of the Bitterroot Mountains, a mere 13 miles south of the Montana border along U.S. Highway 93, lies the unassuming community of Gibbonsville, Idaho. This tranquil locale, now a quiet haven, holds within its history the echoes of a vibrant past, a transformation from a bustling mining camp to the peaceful bedroom community it is today. Before the clang of pickaxes and the shouts of miners filled the air, the area was known to the indigenous people and later traversed by the intrepid explorers, Lewis and Clark.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, those pioneering trailblazers, etched their mark upon this landscape in September 1805. Their journals paint a vivid picture of the terrain: a challenging expanse of rocky hills cloaked in dense vegetation. The explorers faced considerable obstacles as they navigated the area, forced to carve a road through a particularly steep section just northwest of the present-day townsite of Gibbonsville, Idaho. The demanding journey took its toll, with several horses succumbing to the treacherous terrain, suffering injuries or simply giving out under the strain.
The seeds of settlement were sown around 1872, when the nascent community was simply known as Dahlongi. However, the discovery of gold in the nearby Anderson and Dahlonega Creeks in 1877 ignited a spark, transforming the quiet spot into a burgeoning mining camp. The town was officially christened Gibbonsville, Idaho, a tribute to Colonel John Gibbon, a military figure renowned for his pursuit of the Nez Perce Indians and his participation in the pivotal Battle of the Big Hole.
Affectionately nicknamed "Gibtown," the town quickly adapted to its newfound role as a mining hub. Mines sprung up, the most prominent being the A.D. & M. Mine. Cabins dotted the hillsides, providing shelter for the influx of miners. Businesses flourished, catering to the needs of the estimated 600 men employed in the mines. Furthermore, Gibbonsville, Idaho, served as a vital link in a rugged supply route connecting Utah to the Northern Railway terminal in Montana. At its zenith, Gibbonsville boasted a remarkable infrastructure: over 100 buildings, including two sawmills, a roller mill, five stamp mills, a newspaper to disseminate information, and no less than eight saloons to quench the thirst of hardworking miners.
Among the many businesses that thrived during this era, Kerns Brewery stood out. Established in 1897 by George Kerns, a German immigrant, the brewery became a local institution. Kerns beer gained such popularity that people traveled from far and wide to sample its distinctive flavor. The brewery supplied some 13 saloons in the area, contributing significantly to the town’s vibrant social scene. Over time, the building adapted to changing needs, undergoing several transformations and name changes. In 1926, it was reborn as a Texaco gas station, complete with a café and cabins for travelers. In the 1950s, an RV Park was added, and the site continues to operate as the Broken Arrow Resort and Restaurant, a testament to the enduring spirit of Gibbonsville, Idaho.
The gold placers in and around Gibbonsville, Idaho, were extensively worked, yielding an estimated $2 million in gold, a substantial sum for the time. The A.D. & M. Mine alone accounted for approximately half of this impressive output. However, as the turn of the century approached, the ore began to dwindle, signaling the decline of the mining boom. A disastrous fire in 1907 dealt a further blow, effectively halting production altogether. While mining continued sporadically in the following decades, it ultimately ceased for good in 1959, marking the end of an era.
Today, Gibbonsville, Idaho, is far from a ghost town. Instead, it has evolved into a peaceful, close-knit community with a population of just over 100 residents. While it bears little resemblance to its boisterous mining days, remnants of its past remain. Several buildings have been lovingly restored, preserving the architectural heritage of the town. The vestiges of the A.D. & M. Mine stand as silent reminders of the town’s mining legacy. The town is also home to the Gibbonsville Relic Museum, housed in what appears to be an old schoolhouse, preserving and showcasing artifacts from the town’s colorful history.
One of the most intriguing sites in Gibbonsville, Idaho, is the Gibbonsville Cemetery. While somewhat unkempt, the cemetery offers a poignant glimpse into the past. The old graveyard contains burials dating back over a century, marked by weathered wooden markers. These markers, though likely replacements of the originals, bear legible inscriptions, providing a tangible connection to the people who shaped the town’s early history. The cemetery serves as a reminder of the lives lived, the hardships endured, and the enduring spirit of the community.
The journey from a bustling mining camp to a quiet bedroom community is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Gibbonsville, Idaho. The town’s history is etched in its landscape, its architecture, and the stories of its people. While the echoes of the mining era may have faded, the spirit of Gibbonsville endures, offering a glimpse into a bygone era and a peaceful haven in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains.