Elkhorn, Montana

Elkhorn is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson County, Montana, United States, in the Elkhorn Mountains of the southwestern part of the state. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 10.[3] The community is considered a ghost town,[4][5] and two of its buildings are preserved as Elkhorn State Park.[6][4]

Elkhorn, Montana
Census-designated place
Fraternity Hall
Fraternity Hall
Elkhorn is located in Montana
Elkhorn
Elkhorn
Elkhorn is located in the United States
Elkhorn
Elkhorn
Coordinates: 46°16′29″N 111°56′45″W[1]
CountryUnited States
StateMontana
CountyJefferson
Established1872
Named forElkhorn Mountains
Area
[2]
 • Total6.74 sq mi (17.46 km2)
 • Land6.74 sq mi (17.46 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[1]
6,444 ft (1,964 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total12
 • Density1.78/sq mi (0.69/km2)
Time zoneUTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-6 (MDT)
Area code406
FIPS code30-23865
GNIS feature ID0783128[1]

History

Lodes of silver, described by geologists as supergene enrichments, were initially discovered in the Elkhorn Mountains by Peter Wys, a Swiss immigrant.[7] Six years later, Anton Holter, a pioneer capitalist from Helena, began developing the mine. Over $14 million in silver was carried from the mine. In 1890, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act passed, creating a high demand for Elkhorn's silver.

During this peak period, Elkhorn had 2,500 inhabitants, a school, a hotel, a church, stores, saloons, and brothels. Unlike most mining towns, Elkhorn was populated mostly by families of married European immigrants.[8] In 1893, the Fraternity Hall was constructed for social gatherings, and still remains as one of the most well-preserved buildings in modern Elkhorn.

In the years following, the silver boom and Elkhorn's prosperity began to lessen as the desire for silver decreased. A diphtheria epidemic struck Elkhorn in the winter of 1888–1889, resulting in many deaths, particularly of children.[8] Soon after, railroad service to Elkhorn was halted and only a fraction of the original inhabitants remained.

The state of Montana designated Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall as Elkhorn State Park in 1980.[9]

Geography

Elkhorn is in eastern Jefferson County on the south side of the Elkhorn Mountains, in the valley of Elkhorn Creek. It can only be reached through its neighboring town, Boulder, by taking the I-15 exit for Boulder, continuing 7 miles (11 km) southeast on Montana Highway 69, then 11 miles (18 km) north on graveled county roads.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Elkhorn CDP has an area of 6.8 square miles (17.5 km2), all land.[3]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
202012—
U.S. Decennial Census[10]

While very few standing buildings remain of the original Elkhorn, a number of cabins have been reoccupied and refurbished. In 2010, there were 10 inhabitants.[3]

See also

References
  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Elkhorn, Montana
  2. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  3. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Elkhorn CDP, Montana". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  4. "Elkhorn Ghost Town". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  5. "Elkhorn Ghost Town, Montana - Discovering Montana". April 25, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  6. "Elkhorn State Park". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  7. Aarstad, Rich; et al. (2009). Montana Place Names from Alzada to Zortman. Helena, Montana: Montana Historical Society Press. p. 77. ISBN 9780975919613. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  8. "Elkhorn, Montana Survives Today". Legends of America. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  9. "Park Origin by Date". Montana State Parks. 2014. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  10. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
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