Ghost Towns and History June 8, 2018 Ghost Towns and History of Montana Newsletter B a n n a c k , M o n t a n a Ad from The Columbian (Columbia Falls, MT) – Aug. 15, 1895 It was late July in 1862 when John White and The Pike’s Peakers discovered gold in the grasshopper creek near Bannack. That day started a rush that would last off and on until the 1930’s. The chance to earn a few bucks brought prospectors and businessmen from all around the area. Bannack’s story is an intriguing one and the town still entertains visitors since becoming a state park in the 1950’s. Within a year of discovering gold, Bannack was bustling with a few thousand residents. This prompted the town to apply to the U.S. Government for the name of “Bannock” (neighboring Indians). Washington, however, made an error and forever changed the name to Bannack with an A. In 1864, Bannack was named the first Territorial Capital of Montana. Photos by Jolene Ewert-Hintz
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