BANNACK GHOST TOWN

If there's a ghost town anywhere near us, Kathy T will find it. She'd been here in Dillon before and knew of the Bannack State Park and Ghost Town. It was only about 16 miles down the road from our campground, and there wasn't even a dirt road to travel. Anyone who has ever been to a Ghost Town knows, they are always miles away on a dusty, dirt road. There were no fences and there was cattle and deer on the roadside, so they had to be alert.

Bannack mining camp was named for the Bannack Indians, who along with the Lemhi Shoshone frequented this area. Gold was discovered here in July of 1862 in the "Grasshopper Creek" and by spring of the next year the population had grown to over 3,000. The gold discovered here was unique. Most gold is 80% to 95% pure but some of Bannack's gold assayed as 99.5% pure gold. There were people living here until the 1940's. And people are still searching for gold in the area today.

There are over 25 buildings still standing, and most of them are open to the public. My humans found a lot of very interesting history touring through the town. There was a 2-story hotel with 16 wallpapered rooms to walk through as well as the Methodist church, a schoolhouse and the Masonic Hall. A great way to spend the afternoon. 

Tomorrow it's back on the road for us. Next stop Fort Hall, Idaho, another new adventure for us.