Chico, Montana facts for kids
Chico is a small, unincorporated community located in Park County, Montana, United States. In 2010, only 15 people lived there. Chico shares its postal ZIP code (59027) with the nearby town of Emigrant. People sometimes call it "Old Chico" to tell it apart from the popular Chico Hot Springs Resort.
Quick facts for kids
Chico, Montana
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extinct town
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| Nickname(s):
Old Chico
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 Chico, Montana
Location in Montana
Chico, Montana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Park |
| Elevation | 5,433 ft (1,656 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 15 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
59027
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| Area code(s) | 406 |
| GNIS feature ID | 777090 |
Contents
History of Chico
Chico, also known as Old Chico or Chico City, became an official town in 1874. However, people had been living there much earlier. This makes it one of Montana's oldest settlements that still exists today. It is located at the entrance of Emigrant Gulch. Chico had its own post office from 1874 until 1919.
Gold Discovery and Early Settlements
Gold was first found in the Chico area in 1863. Mining in the Curry Mining District began in the spring of 1864. During this time, miners lived in a settlement called Yellowstone City. However, Yellowstone City was abandoned by 1865. This happened because of conflicts with local Native American tribes.
After Yellowstone City was left empty, a new settlement was built at Chico. The Chico townsite was closer to Emigrant Gulch and where the mining was happening.
Growth of Chico Town
By 1874, Chico's population had grown to 300 people. The town soon had a school, a general store, and two boarding houses. Interestingly, Chico never had a saloon, which was common in many mining towns. As the conflicts with Native American tribes lessened, more houses were built further up Emigrant Gulch, even closer to the mines.
Mining Operations
A significant mine called the St. Julian Mine opened in 1887. The ore from this mine was very rich. It contained about $360 worth of gold and $40 worth of silver per ton of ore. To process this ore, a ten-stamp mill was built in the late 1890s. Later, in 1904, an even larger 12-stamp mill was constructed.
Chico Today
Many historic buildings from Chico's past still stand today. These include the old schoolhouse, the general store, and apartments from the boarding houses used by miners. There are ongoing efforts to protect and restore some of these old structures.
You can reach the town of Chico by car or even by horseback from the Chico Hot Springs resort. The area around Chico offers amazing views and beautiful scenery.
