White Knob, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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White Knob
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 Location in Idaho
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
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| Nearest city | Mackay, Idaho |
| Built | 1884 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000671 |
White Knob, Idaho is a fascinating ghost town located in Custer County, Idaho. It sits on a place called Mine Hill. This historic site is nestled between the town of Mackay, Idaho and the White Knob Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Pioneer Mountains. Once a busy mining community, White Knob now offers a glimpse into Idaho's past.
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How White Knob Started
In 1879, people discovered copper in the White Knob Mountains. This important discovery happened near what is now Mackay, Idaho. White Knob quickly grew into a mining town because of this new find. It was part of the Alder Creek Mining District.
Miners needed a way to move the copper ore. They first used an electric railway of the White Knob Copper Co.. Later, an aerial cable tramway was built. These systems carried the ore from White Knob down to a smelter. The smelter was located at the railway station in Mackay.
The town of White Knob had everything a community needed. It was home to a school for children. There was also a general store where people could buy supplies. A post office helped people send and receive letters.
Why the Town Declined
The mine in White Knob eventually closed down. This happened in 1928. When the mine closed, many people moved away. More and more residents started living in Mackay instead. The school in White Knob closed its doors in 1932. This marked the end of White Knob as a thriving town.
Preserving White Knob's History
In 1999, a group called the Mackay Historical Preservation Committee was formed. They wanted to save the White Knob and Mine Hill site. They received a large award of $250,000 to help with this effort.
Since then, this committee has done a lot of work. They made the old tram towers strong again. They also fixed the Shay Railroad Trestle. Several old buildings have been restored. They even put up signs and markers along a special trail. These signs help visitors learn about the site.
Visiting White Knob Today
White Knob is officially listed as a ghost town. It is also on the National Historical Register. This means it is an important historical place. The site is managed by two groups. These are the South Custer Historical Society and the White Knob Historical Preservation Committee.
The public can visit White Knob. You can get there by walking, riding an ATV, or going on horseback. Trucks can also reach the site. When you visit, you can see many things. There are old road beds and the restored railroad trestle. You can also find restored cabins and some that are still falling apart. The old mill and smelter site are there too. You can see the aerial cable tramway towers and the headhouse. There are also grave sites to explore.
Different groups own parts of this large site. The Bureau of Land Management owns some areas. Private people own other parts. Mining companies also have interests there. Some of the land is part of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. You can take a self-guided tour of White Knob. This tour is available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
