Ghost Towns Elkhorn
Ghost Towns of Gold West Country: Elkhorn
Claim was first located in Elkhorn in 1870 by Peter Wys, who died two years later. Anton Holter's Elkhorn Mining Company began developing Wys's claim in 1875. The silver boom enveloped Elkhorn in the 1880's making the town a lively center for public meetings, dances and fun at the two-lane bowling alley. In 1889, a diphtheria epidemic swept through the town killing many of the women and children. Gravestones record the deaths of scores of families. In 1893 the repeal of the Silver Purchase Act signaled the beginning of the end.
Today, one acre of Elkhorn is protected as a Montana state park, surrounded by private land along with some homes and cabins still in use.
Elkhorn is about 18 miles south of Boulder on State Highway 69, the turn off is well marked. Turn left on to a dirt road, then just after crossing the Boulder River, turn right. At all other junctions, keep left for about 12 miles.
Contact Information
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
930 Custer Ave. W.
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-495-3270
Related Links
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks - Elkhorn
http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit/elkhorn
