Wickes, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wickes, Montana
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Ghost town
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 Wickes, Montana
Location in Montana
Wickes, Montana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Jefferson |
| Elevation | 5,203 ft (1,586 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 0 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| Area code(s) | 406 |
Wickes is a fascinating ghost town located in Jefferson County, Montana, United States. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet landscape. Wickes is one such place, now mostly just a memory of its past.
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Where is Wickes, Montana?
Wickes is found about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Jefferson City. You can reach it by taking the Corbin Road from the Interstate 15 interchange near Jefferson City. This road then meets Wickes Road at the old townsite of Corbin. Corbin itself is another historic mining community in the area.
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a town that has been mostly or completely abandoned. This often happens when the reason for the town's existence, like a mine or a factory, closes down. People move away to find work elsewhere, and the town slowly becomes empty. These towns are like time capsules, showing us what life was like long ago.
Why Did Towns Become Ghost Towns?
Many ghost towns in Montana, like Wickes, were once busy mining towns. When valuable minerals like gold or silver were found, people rushed to these areas, hoping to get rich. Towns quickly grew with homes, stores, and businesses. But when the mines ran out of minerals, or the price of the minerals dropped, there was no longer a reason for people to stay. They packed up and left, leaving the buildings behind.
Exploring Wickes Today
Today, Wickes is a quiet place. There are no people living there, but you might still find old buildings or foundations that tell a story of its past. These sites are important for understanding the history of Montana and the American West. When visiting such places, it's important to be respectful and not disturb any remaining structures.
