Located about one mile southeast of Philipsburg, Montana, Kirkville got its start in 1888 when the large Bi-Metallic Mill 100 stamp mill was built on Douglas Creek. The town, which reached a peak population of about 125 people, was primarily inhabited by mill workers. It once included numerous cabins, a boarding house, a company office, a warehouse, and an assay office, along with the large Bi-Metallic Mill site.

In 1967, the 360-foot-long mill building was burned for safety reasons, but its two smokestacks and foundations continue to stand. Also standing are two company houses, the brick office building, a barn, the assay office, and the retort building. A modern flotation mill still operates periodically. The old townsite is located on private property, but some of its remains can be seen from the road.

 

©Kathy Weiser-Alexander/Legends of America, updated June 2025.

Also See:

Ghost Towns Across America

Ghost Towns & Mining Camps of Montana

Montana – Big Sky Country

Montana Ghost Town Photo Galleries

See Sources.