Sawtooth City, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sawtooth City
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 Location in Idaho
Location in the United States
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| Location | Blaine County, Idaho |
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| Nearest city | Stanley, Idaho |
| Built | 1879 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000625 |
| Added to NRHP | April 4, 1975 |
Sawtooth City, sometimes just called Sawtooth, is a fascinating abandoned mining camp in Blaine County, Idaho, United States. It sits high up in the mountains, about 7,342 feet (2,238 meters) above sea level. This historic spot is located near Beaver Creek, close to where it joins the Salmon River, right in the beautiful Sawtooth Valley. Today, it is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Sawtooth City was founded after valuable minerals were discovered nearby on July 2, 1878. It was a busy place for a few years, especially between 1880 and 1886. Even though it's a ghost town now, its history is important. In 1975, the entire area was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place protected for its historical value.
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Welcome to Sawtooth City!
Sawtooth City might be quiet today, but it has a lively past. Imagine a bustling town filled with miners, shopkeepers, and families. This place was once a hub of activity, all thanks to the discovery of precious metals deep underground.
What Was Sawtooth City?
Sawtooth City was a "mining camp." This is a type of town that quickly grew up around a mine or a group of mines. People moved there hoping to find their fortune. They built homes, stores, and other buildings to support the mining work.
Where is Sawtooth City Located?
Sawtooth City is in a beautiful but rugged part of Idaho. It's nestled in the Sawtooth Valley, surrounded by tall mountains. The exact spot is at 43°53′48″N 114°50′25″W / 43.89667°N 114.84028°W. It's a remote area, which made it challenging for people to live there.
A Look Back: History of Sawtooth City
The story of Sawtooth City is like many other mining towns in the American West. It's a tale of hope, hard work, and eventually, decline. Understanding its history helps us learn about how people lived in the past.
How Sawtooth City Started
The story of Sawtooth City began in 1878. Miners exploring the area found valuable ore, likely silver or gold. News of these discoveries spread quickly. People from all over came to the Sawtooth Valley, hoping to strike it rich. They set up tents and cabins, and soon, a small town began to form.
Life in a Mining Camp
Life in a mining camp like Sawtooth City was tough. Miners worked long hours, often in dangerous conditions. The weather could be extreme, with cold winters and hot summers. Despite the challenges, people built a community. They had general stores, saloons, and even a cemetery, which you can still find northeast of the old camp site.
Why Sawtooth City Became a Ghost Town
Mining camps often have a short lifespan. Once the valuable minerals ran out, or it became too difficult to extract them, the mines closed. When the mines closed, people had no reason to stay. They packed up their belongings and moved on, looking for new opportunities. This is what happened to Sawtooth City. It slowly emptied out, becoming the ghost town we see today.
Protecting History: Sawtooth City Today
Even though Sawtooth City is abandoned, it's not forgotten. Its remains tell an important story about Idaho's past and the history of mining in the United States.
What is a Historic District?
In 1975, Sawtooth City was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a "historic district." A historic district is an area that has a special history. It means the buildings, ruins, or landscape are important to understanding the past. Listing a place on the National Register helps protect it. It encourages people to preserve these sites for future generations.
Why Sawtooth City is Important
Sawtooth City is important because it's a well-preserved example of a 19th-century mining camp. It shows us what these temporary towns looked like and how they functioned. By protecting places like Sawtooth City, we can learn about the challenges and triumphs of the people who lived there. It's like a real-life history book, frozen in time.
