Elkhorn, Montana
| Elkhorn | |
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| — Ghost town — | |
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 Elkhorn
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| Coordinates: 46°16′29″N 111°56′45″W / 46.27472°N 111.94583°WCoordinates: 46°16′29″N 111°56′45″W / 46.27472°N 111.94583°W[1] | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Jefferson |
| Established | 1872 |
| Abandoned | 1970s |
| Named for | Elkhorn Mountains |
| Elevation | 6,443 ft (1,964 m) |
Elkhorn is a small ghost town in Jefferson County, Montana, United States, in the Elkhorn Mountains of the southwestern part of the state.
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[edit] History
Lodes of silver, described by geologists as Supergene enrichments, were initially discovered in the Elkhorn mountains by Peter Wys, a Swiss immigrant.[2] Six years later, Anton Holter, a pioneer capitalist from Helena, Montana, began developing the mine. Over $14 million in silver was carried from the mine. In 1890, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act passed, creating a high demand for Elkhorn's silver.
During this peak period, Elkhorn boasted 2,500 inhabitants, a school, hotel, church, stores, saloons, and brothels. Unlike most mining towns, Elkhorn was populated mostly by married European immigrants.[3] In 1893 the Fraternity Hall was constructed for social gatherings, and still remains as one of the most well-preserved buildings in modern Elkhorn.
In the years following, the silver boom and Elkhorn's prosperity began to lessen as the desire for silver decreased. A diphtheria epidemic also struck Elkhorn, resulting in many deaths, particularly of children.[3] Soon after, railroad service to Elkhorn was halted and only a fraction of the original inhabitants remained.
[edit] Geography
It can only be reached through its neighboring town, Boulder, Montana by taking the I-15 at Boulder exit, continuing 7 miles (11 km) south on Montana 69, then 11 miles (18 km) north on county graveled road.
[edit] Demographics
While very few standing buildings remain of the original Elkhorn, a number of cabins have been reoccupied and refurbished.
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Elkhorn". Geographic Names Information System, U.S. Geological Survey. http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=gnispq:3:::NO::P3_FID:783128.
- ^ "Elkhorn, MT". http://www.ghosttowngallery.com/htme/elkhorn.htm. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
- ^ a b "The Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society-Elkhorn". http://ghosttown.montana.com/elkhorn.html. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
[edit] External links
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