Ruby City, Idaho facts for kids

Ruby City was once a busy mining town in Owyhee County, Idaho, United States. It was located along Jordan Creek, not far from Silver City. Today, it is known as a ghost town, which means most of its buildings are gone, and no one lives there anymore.

History of Ruby City

How Ruby City Started

Ruby City began in November 1863. It was created to support the rich gold and silver mines nearby. Miners came to the area hoping to find their fortune. The town quickly grew as more people arrived.

A Busy County Seat

For a short time, Ruby City was the first county seat of Owyhee County. This meant it was the main town where the government offices were located. In 1865, the first newspaper in Owyhee County, The Owyhee Avalanche, started in Ruby City. A post office also opened in 1864, helping people send and receive mail.

Why Ruby City Disappeared

Ruby City's busy times did not last long. In 1867, the post office closed down. The county seat was also moved to nearby Silver City. Many of the better buildings were even taken apart and moved to Silver City. With the mines becoming less active and people moving away, Ruby City slowly became a ghost town.

What Remains Today

Today, almost nothing is left of Ruby City. Only a cemetery marks the spot where the town once stood. It is a quiet reminder of Idaho's mining past.

Ruby City in Movies

Ruby City has even been featured in a movie! The 1993 Western film The Ballad of Little Jo was set in Ruby City, Idaho. In the movie, a character named Jo Monaghan eventually settles down in the town.