The mining industry was responsible for the formation of many townsites across the state back in the day. Some of these communities persisted and have since blossomed into bustling cities and towns. Others were not so fortunate. The remnants of these long-abandoned mining towns can still be found throughout Idaho to this day, including the eerie remains of Burke. A former mining town near present-day Wallace, this place is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes. However, the next best thing is this fantastic drone footage that takes you high over what’s left of the town.
Built within the confines of a narrow canyon in North Idaho, the ghost town of Burke is far from ordinary. Many of the town's original structures remain standing to this very day, almost exactly as they were left decades ago, and this footage from YouTube user davidegg22 showcases it beautifully.
Captured via drone, viewers can witness the outstanding canyon scenery along with what remains of Burke itself. Some of the town's buildings crumbled long ago, but what's left of them can still be seen. Additionally, there are several structures and pieces of mining equipment that look like they've been completely untouched over the past century.
Silver and lead deposits were discovered in the area around 1884 and Burke rose to prominence soon after. Built inside of a canyon that was only 300-feet wide at its narrowest point, the unlikely landscape was the cause of several of Burke's creative architectural features. In fact, the railroad went right through the town's hotel lobby!
Today, Burke is one of the most unique abandoned townsites in the state. However, its story is one that we're extremely familiar with. Like many of Idaho's mining towns at the turn of the century, Burke began to suffer as the mines started to shut down.
Burke's population dwindled substantially over the years, going down to just 15 residents in 1990. However, mining operations completely ceased in 1991 with the closing of the Star Mine, and the town was officially abandoned.
This stunning drone footage is just a small glimpse at the ghost town's striking atmosphere and abundant history. And it sure is beautiful! View the full video below and check out a more in-depth look at this mining town's haunting history here.
