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Alder Gulch
In 1863 Bill Fairweather and his party discovered gold in southwestern Montana. They were on their way to Yellowstone Country from Bannack but were waylaid by a band of Crows. While hiding from the Indians in a gulch they found gold. They named the gulch after the alder trees lining the gulch. Alder was one of the great gold producers of all time. The site of the largest placer gold strike in world history. It produced $10,000,000.00 during the first year.
A year later the boom town of Virginia City had a population of 10,000. People lived in makeshift tents and shacks and every third construction was a saloon. The site gave birth to two of Montana's most famous towns: Virginia City and Nevada City.
The discoveries at Alder Gulch drew people away from Bannack, reducing the population, making Virginia City the territorial capital from 1865 to 1875.
Activities
Cultural, Folk Art, Museum, American Heritage, Antiques, Archaeology, Art, Art Gallery, Art Show, Childrens Activities, Education, Exhibit, Heritage, History, Storytelling, Theatre/Theater, Tour
Directions
Alder Gulch is located west of Virginia City, in the southwestern area of Montana, on US Highway 287.
Hours / Season of Operation
Season:
Memorial Day - Labor Day
Hours:
N/A
Contact Information
Alder Gulch
Mailing Address:
PO Box 218
Virginia City,
MT 59755
Street Address:
Virigina City Chamber of Commerce
Virginia City,
MT 59755
Phone: 406-843-5555
Toll Free: 800-829-2969
Payment / Reservation Information
Payment Methods:
N/A
Discount Types:
N/A
Reservations:
N/A
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