Barker & Hughesville, Montana – Ghost Camps in the Little Belt Mountains
Nestled within the rugged embrace of the Little Belt Mountains in Judith Basin County, Montana, lie the spectral remains of Barker and Hughesville, two once-thriving mining camps. These ghost camps, evocative of a bygone era, whisper tales of silver strikes, boomtown fervor, and the eventual decline that befell many such settlements in the American West. The story of Barker & Hughesville, Montana, is a microcosm of the broader narrative of resource extraction, fleeting prosperity, and the enduring allure of the Montana wilderness.
The genesis of these settlements can be traced back to the fall of 1879, when two independent prospectors stumbled upon silver deposits along Galena Creek. These discoveries ignited a spark, attracting miners and entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on the region’s mineral wealth. From these initial claims, two distinct camps emerged: Barker and Hughesville.
Barker, the first of the two camps, owes its name to E.A. "Buck" Barker, a prominent figure in the area who established the Barker Mine near Galena Creek. Hughesville, located a mere two miles down the mountainside from Barker, was christened in honor of Patrick Hughes, who filed the lucrative Grey Eagle claim. This proximity fostered a degree of interdependence between the two camps, though each maintained its own distinct identity.
The news of the silver strikes spread like wildfire, and within a year, the Barker & Hughesville, Montana, area experienced a surge in mining activity. Numerous mines were established, including the Homestake, Hancock, Belfont, Harrison, May, and Edna, among dozens of others. These operations collectively employed approximately 100 miners, who toiled tirelessly in the hope of striking it rich.
As the mining district prospered, additional camps sprouted along Galena Creek, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a burgeoning mining hub. These included Gold Run, Central City, Leadville, and Galena City. Initially, these camps focused on the extraction of lead and silver ore. The raw materials were transported to Fort Benton and then shipped via steamboat down the Missouri River for smelting, a testament to the logistical challenges faced by early mining operations.
A pivotal moment in the history of Barker & Hughesville, Montana, occurred in 1881 with the formation of the Clendenin Mining and Smelting Company. This enterprise established a smelter near Barker, significantly enhancing the profitability of the mines. The smelter, though operational for only about 18 months, processed an estimated $375,000 worth of bullion, demonstrating its considerable impact on the local economy.
Despite this success, the initial boom period proved to be short-lived. By 1883, mining activity in the district had declined significantly as the easily accessible surface ore deposits were largely exhausted. The future of Barker & Hughesville, Montana, hung in the balance.
However, the camps experienced a resurgence in 1890, fueled by promising discoveries at the May and Edna, Liberty, and Wallace mines. This revival was further bolstered by the completion of a branch line to Barker by the Montana Central Railroad in 1891. The railroad provided a more efficient means of transporting ore to smelters in Great Falls, Helena, and Neihart, reducing transportation costs and increasing the competitiveness of the local mines.
Unfortunately, this second period of prosperity was also destined to be brief. The Silver Panic of 1893, a major economic crisis triggered by the collapse of silver prices, dealt a devastating blow to the silver mining industry. Many mines in the Barker & Hughesville, Montana, district were forced to close, leaving only the most productive operations in operation.
Over the next decade, mining activity became sporadic, primarily focused on recovering lead and bullion from slag dumps and tailings, the waste materials left over from previous mining operations. In 1903, the railroad spur to Barker made its final run, signaling a further decline in the region’s economic fortunes.
Despite these setbacks, mining activity persisted into the 20th century. T.C. Power, a businessman from Helena, acquired several claims in the area and operated them under the name of the Block P Mine. In 1910, Power constructed a mill in Barker, and the mine operated profitably until the 1920s.
In 1927, Power sold the Block P Mine to the St. Joseph Lead Company, which expanded operations, transforming it into the largest lead producer in Montana by 1929. The St. Joseph Lead Company’s investment breathed new life into Barker & Hughesville, Montana, providing employment opportunities and stimulating the local economy.
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought this period of renewed prosperity to an abrupt halt. The mine closed down and remained idle for several years. It reopened briefly in the early 1940s but was subsequently closed again in 1943. Afterward, the mine changed hands, and the equipment and railroad tracks were sold for salvage, marking the final chapter in the area’s large-scale mining history.
During their peak periods, Barker and Hughesville collectively supported as many as 500 residents. Today, little remains to testify to their former glory. However, the area, which still has a few residents and vacation homes, offers glimpses into its mining past. Remnants of the era can still be seen, including several standing cabins and the ruins of the Clendenin Smelter. The St. Joseph Company’s mining buildings are located on private property. An old cemetery can be found at Hughesville, a poignant reminder of the lives lived and lost in these remote mountain communities.
To reach these ghost camps, travel approximately 12 miles east of Monarch, Montana, in the Little Belt Mountains. From Monarch, head south on US-89 toward Hughesville Road, then turn left (east) for about 12 miles. As you explore the area, remember that many of the remaining structures are fragile and potentially dangerous. Please respect private property and exercise caution. The silent echoes of Barker & Hughesville, Montana, serve as a captivating reminder of the hopes, dreams, and hard work that shaped the American West.