Elkhorn, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elkhorn, Montana
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Fraternity Hall
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 Elkhorn, Montana
Location in Montana
Elkhorn, Montana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Jefferson |
| Established | 1872 |
| Named for | Elkhorn Mountains |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.74 sq mi (17.46 km2) |
| • Land | 6.74 sq mi (17.46 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 6,444 ft (1,964 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 12 |
| • Density | 1.78/sq mi (0.69/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| Area code(s) | 406 |
| FIPS code | 30-23865 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0783128 |
Elkhorn is a small community in Jefferson County, Montana, in the Elkhorn Mountains. It's often called a ghost town because most people have moved away. In 2010, only 10 people lived there! Today, two of its old buildings are part of Elkhorn State Park, helping to preserve its history.
Contents
History of Elkhorn
Silver Discovery and Mining Boom
Elkhorn's story began when a Swiss immigrant named Peter Wys found silver in the Elkhorn Mountains. Six years later, a businessman from Helena, Montana, named Anton Holter, started to develop the silver mine. A lot of silver was taken from this mine, worth over $14 million!
In 1890, a law called the Sherman Silver Purchase Act was passed. This law made silver very valuable, which was great news for Elkhorn. The town grew quickly because of the high demand for its silver.
Life in a Mining Town
During its busiest time, Elkhorn had about 2,500 people living there. It had a school, a hotel, a church, stores, and even saloons. Unlike many mining towns, most people in Elkhorn were married immigrants from Europe.
In 1893, a special building called the Fraternity Hall was built. This hall was used for social events and gatherings. It is still standing today and is one of the best-preserved buildings in Elkhorn.
Decline of Elkhorn
After a few years, the silver boom started to slow down. People didn't want as much silver anymore, and Elkhorn's good times began to fade.
The town also faced a tough challenge. In the winter of 1888–1889, a serious sickness called diphtheria spread through Elkhorn. Many people, especially children, died from this disease.
Soon after, train service to Elkhorn stopped. Most of the original residents left, and only a few people remained. This is why Elkhorn is now known as a ghost town.
Getting to Elkhorn
Elkhorn is a bit tricky to reach. You can only get there by going through its nearby town, Boulder, Montana. From Boulder, you take the I-15 exit and drive about 7 miles (11 km) south on Montana 69. Then, you turn north onto a gravel road and drive for about 11 miles (18 km) to reach Elkhorn.
Elkhorn's Population
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 12 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Even though many of Elkhorn's original buildings are gone, some cabins have been fixed up and are lived in again. In 2010, only 10 people lived in Elkhorn. By 2020, the population had grown slightly to 12 people.
See also
In Spanish: Elkhorn (Montana) para niños
