Did you know there are more than 100 documented ghost towns scattered around the Gem State? Many of these small towns in Idaho were once thriving, but today, they are left empty and decaying. One of these fascinating abandoned towns is Burke. This town is tucked into the mountains, easily forgotten by many Idahoans. However, if you make the journey to this ghost town, you’ll see many structures that are still standing and you’ll know right away this isn’t your typical ghost town in Idaho.

Burke started as a small mining community in the 1880s. Silver and lead were discovered in the area, creating quite the mining boom.
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The location of this town helps it stand out from other abandoned mining communities in the Gem State. This small town is located near Wallace but is tucked away in a tiny, narrow canyon. In fact, the canyon is only 300 feet wide at its narrowest point.
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Trains, cars, carriages, and people all shared the same roads as they traveled around Burke. When trains traveled through town, all vehicles would have to pull to the side.
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The Tiger Hotel, which was built in 1896, became quite the notable building in the community. When the railroad expanded through the town in 1906, there was no place for the new tracks. The only solution was for the train to travel straight through the hotel.
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If the buildings around Burke could talk today, they sure would have the most interesting stories to tell.
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The history of Burke is filled with much violence between miners and the mine owners. At times, this violence was so bad that the Idaho governor declared martial law on the town and sent hundreds of national guardsmen to it. You can read more about the violence in this small town here.
Disasters such as fires, floods, and avalanches also destroyed much of this small town. These tragedies not only destroyed buildings but it took the lives of many residents as well.
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As mines began to shut down throughout the state in the 1900s, Burke slowly began to fade away as well. By the 1990s, only a handful of people still lived in this small community.
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The journey to Burke is beautiful and one you should experience at least once in Idaho. As you explore this narrow town, be mindful of areas that are gated off and closed. This is one ghost town in Idaho that you will not want to miss.
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Have you visited Burke? Do you know someone who has lived in this Idaho town? Let us know in the comments!

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Burke, ID 83873, USA