Cobalt, Idaho facts for kids

Cobalt is a small, historic place in the central part of Idaho, a state in the United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community," which means it's a group of homes and buildings that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger Lemhi County. Cobalt is located in a mountainous area, and its name comes from the valuable metal found nearby.

What is Cobalt, Idaho?

Cobalt is a quiet spot located in Lemhi County, Idaho. It sits among the beautiful mountains of central Idaho. Unlike a city or town that has a mayor and its own council, Cobalt is an "unincorporated community." This means that the people living there are part of the county's government, rather than having their own separate town government. In 1960, about 250 people lived in Cobalt.

A Town Named After a Metal

The name "Cobalt" isn't just a random choice. This community was named after the important metal called cobalt that was mined in the area. Cobalt is a shiny, silver-gray metal that is very strong and can withstand high temperatures. It's used in many modern technologies, like batteries for electric cars and phones, and in special alloys for jet engines.

The Blackbird Mine

The main reason Cobalt existed was because of a large mine nearby called the Blackbird Mine. This mine was famous for digging up cobalt, copper, and other valuable minerals. Mining operations here started a long time ago, and the mine became one of the most important sources of cobalt in the United States. People moved to the area to work at the mine, and that's how the community of Cobalt grew.

Why Cobalt is Important

Cobalt is considered a "strategic metal." This means it's very important for a country's economy and defense. During certain times, especially after World War II and during the Cold War, the United States needed a steady supply of cobalt. The Blackbird Mine helped meet this need, making the small community of Cobalt a key player in the nation's mineral production.

Life in a Mining Town

Life in a mining community like Cobalt was often focused around the mine itself. Miners and their families lived there, creating a close-knit community. People worked hard, and the town provided homes, a store, and sometimes a school for the children. When the mine was busy, the town was lively. However, when mining slowed down or stopped, the population would often decrease as people moved away to find other work.

Cobalt Today

Today, Cobalt is much quieter than it once was. The mining operations at the Blackbird Mine have changed over the years, and the community is no longer a bustling mining town. It remains a small, remote place, a reminder of Idaho's rich mining history and the people who worked to extract valuable resources from the earth.