- Elkhorn, Montana
Elkhorn is a small
ghost town in Jefferson County,Montana ,United States , in theElkhorn Mountains of the southwestern part of the state.History
Lodes of silver, described by geologists as Supergene enrichments, were initially discovered in the Elkhorn mountains by Peter Wys, a Swiss immigrant. [http://www.ghosttowngallery.com/htme/elkhorn.htm] 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, theSherman 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. [http://ghosttown.montana.com/elkhorn.html] 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. [http://ghosttown.montana.com/elkhorn.html] Soon after, railroad service to Elkhorn was halted and only a fraction of the original inhabitants remained.Geography
Elkhorn is located at coor dms|46|02|01|N|111|56|08|W|city (46.275, -111.946)GR|3. It can only be reached through its neighboring town,
Boulder, Montana by taking the I-15 at Boulder exit, continuing 7 miles south on Montana 69, then 11 miles north on county graveled road.Demographics
While very few standing buildings remain of the original Elkhorn, a number of cabins have been reoccupied and refurbished.
External links
* [http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=27715 Elkhorn, Montana profile]
* [http://ghosttown.montana.com/elkhorn.html Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
