This area was originally part of the Idaho Territories. Gold was discovered here in 1862. News of the "strike" spread and a mining camp, home to some 400 prospectors sprang up overnight. By 1863 the settlement had some 3,000 residents. Bannack took it's name a from a local Indian Tribe. In May of 1863 gold was discovered in Alder Gulch, 80 miles east of Bannack, this area would later became Virginia City.
Bannack gained a reputation for lawlessness, as gold and outlaws could be hazardous to your health. In 1863, Henry Plummer was elected Sheriff to restore law and order. He was later accused of being the leader of a gang himself. On January 10, 1864 Plummer and his two deputies were hung by "Vigilantes".
By 1864 the population reached 10,000, on May 26, 1864 the area was designated the Territory of Montana. Bannack became the Capital. As the gold played out in Bannack, Virginia City continued to grow and became the Capital in 1866. With gold harder to find the population dwindled away and Bannack slowly became a "Ghost Town". Bannack was designated a State Park on August 15, 1954.
This area was originally part of the Idaho Territories. Gold was discovered here in 1862. News of the "strike" spread and a mining camp, home to some 400 prospectors sprang up overnight. By 1863 the settlement had some 3,000 residents. Bannack took it's name a from a local Indian Tribe. In May of 1863 gold was discovered in Alder Gulch, 80 miles east of Bannack, this area would later became Virginia City.
Bannack gained a reputation for lawlessness, as gold and outlaws could be hazardous to your health. In 1863, Henry Plummer was elected Sheriff to restore law and order. He was later accused of being the leader of a gang himself. On January 10, 1864 Plummer and his two deputies were hung by "Vigilantes".
By 1864 the population reached 10,000, on May 26, 1864 the area was designated the Territory of Montana. Bannack became the Capital. As the gold played out in Bannack, Virginia City continued to grow and became the Capital in 1866. With gold harder to find the population dwindled away and Bannack slowly became a "Ghost Town". Bannack was designated a State Park on August 15, 1954.
R&R Travel Photography