| Elkhorn | |
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| — Ghost town — | |
| The Fraternity Hall | |
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Elkhorn
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| Coordinates: [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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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.
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.
While very few standing buildings remain of the original Elkhorn, a number of cabins have been reoccupied and refurbished.
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