Posted in Montana
January 11, 2021
The Untold Story Of The Montana City That Vanished Overnight
Here in Montana, we love to preserve our local history. That’s one of the many reasons you’ll find an abundance of ghost towns scattered throughout the state, each with its own unique past. But while most Montanans can tell you the story of Bannack or Virginia City, the story of Elkhorn is a little less popular. Now a designated state park, this former town was once a lively spot.
The remnants have been well-preserved, and the site was designated a state park in 1980.
In 1868, the first mine was started, and by 1875, Elkhorn was settled.
During its peak, the town had over 2,500 residents. There was also a school as well as a hotel, a church, shops, and even a brothel.
They used to gather at the Fraternity Hall, which remains the most well-preserved building in the ghost town to this day.
First, a terrible diphtheria epidemic struck Elkhorn in the winter of 1888–1889, killing many residents (especially children). Soon after, railroad service to Elkhorn was halted. By then, the desire for silver had decreased, the mining industry wasn't doing as well, and the town's population diminished to almost zero immediately.
And even though those days are long gone, it's wonderful to see this former town so well-preserved, with a permanent spot in our history books.
Have you ever been to Elkhorn?
Address: Elkhorn, MT 59632, USA
