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ELKHORN |
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Elkhorn got its start in the 1870's with gold panning. It quickly changed to hard rock mining when quartz lodes were found. By the 1880's, there were 2500 people in town. It was a hard place to get to until the Pacific Northern Railroad finally laid tracks to Elkhorn in 1889. A diptheria epidemic spread though town in 1888-89. It was probably spread through bacteria contaminated water. It was fatal in more than one of every two people who got it. It most often killed children between the ages of 2 and 12.
By 1897, the mines were playing out and only 600 people remained. the town had produced over $14,000,000 in gold and silver. There are lots of good buildings to see here. There was a rumor that many of the buildings were going to be dismantled and moved to a museum. I am not sure if this has happened yet. |
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DIRECTIONS
From Butte, take I-15 north about 35 mils to exit 164 (Boulder). Take Highway 69 south through Boulder and continue on for about 4 or 5 miles or so. Follow signs for Elkhorn State Park. Its probably 10 miles of gravel. |
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Gillian Hotel and Saloon Courtesy of Dolores Steele |
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Elkhorn Grand Hotel Courtesy of Dolores Steele |
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1884 Elkhorn School Courtesy of Dolores Steele |
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return to Montana ghost towns |
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Elkhorn Fraternity Hall and Saloon Courtesy of Dolores Steele |
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