Elkhorn, Montana facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elkhorn, Montana
Census-designated place
Fraternity Hall
Elkhorn, Montana Location in Montana Show map of Montana Elkhorn, Montana Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Montana
County	Jefferson
Established	1872
Named for	Elkhorn Mountains
Area
• Total	6.74 sq mi (17.46 km2)
• Land	6.74 sq mi (17.46 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	6,444 ft (1,964 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	12
• Density	1.78/sq mi (0.69/km2)
Time zone	UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-6 (MDT)
Area code(s)	406
FIPS code	30-23865
GNIS feature ID	0783128

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. The community is considered a ghost town, and two of its buildings are preserved as Elkhorn State Park.

History

Lodes of silver, described by geologists as supergene enrichments, were initially discovered in the Elkhorn mountains by Peter Wys, a Swiss immigrant. Six years later, Anton Holter, a pioneer capitalist from Helena, Montana, 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 and saloons. Unlike most mining towns, Elkhorn was populated mostly by married European immigrants. 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 also struck Elkhorn in the winter of 1888–1889, resulting in many deaths, particularly of children. Soon after, railroad service to Elkhorn was halted and only a fraction of the original inhabitants remained.

Geography

It can only be reached through its neighboring town, Boulder, Montana by taking the I-15 at Boulder exit, continuing 7 miles (11 km) south on Montana 69, then 11 miles (18 km) north on county graveled road.

Demographics

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.

See also

In Spanish: Elkhorn (Montana) para niños