Elkhorn, Montana Survives Today

Elkhorn, Montana

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The following year, the Elkhorn Mine sold again and revived operations briefly as the Elkhorn Silver Mining Company. After a new mill was erected, many of the old mine dumps were processed. However, when the mine began to fill with water and silver prices remained low, it closed again. In 1906, the water was gotten rid of and the mine opened again, employing about 60 men. By 1908, the workers were treating only mill tailings, which continued on and off again until 1937. Once the mining began to decline, the railroad service to Elkhorn was discontinued and in 1931, the tracks were removed. Over the decades, the Elkhorn Mine produced more than $14 million in silver ore.

Elkhorn's Main Street, July, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

The town of Elkhorn; however, never truly died, and since the day it began, it has always been populated, though often very sparsely.

Today, the preserved Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall are part of the smallest state park in Montana and are open for visitors. All other properties in the old mining camp are private and many are occupied. The historic cemetery can also be viewed, which unfortunately holds the graves of dozens of children who died in 1888 and 1889 as the result of a harsh winter and diphtheria epidemic.

Though Elkhorn is located just eight miles northwest of Boulder, Montana, it is 18 miles by road. From the Boulder exit on I-15, travel south on State Highway 69, about 7 miles, to a well-marked county gravel road. Then turn north and after crossing the Boulder River, turn right. At all other junctions, keep left and travel about 11 miles.

Contact Information:

Elkhorn

930 Custer Avenue

West Helena, Montana 59601

A view above Elkhorn shows mining remnants in the background and old miners'

cabins that serve as summer homes today. July, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

An old building still stands upon this Elkhorn hill,

July, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

The unkempt Elkhorn Cemetery contains the many graves

of those who died of diphtheria in 1888-89. July, 2008,

Kathy Weiser.

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