P a g e 2 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y consisting of hydrants and pipes, made from 10 ft. long logs. It also boasted a hotel, blacksmith, two general stores and a masonic lodge. The sick were treated by Dr. Day (when you could find him sober). Highland City was dotted with 300 houses, ten saloons and five dance halls. Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Quartz properties soon became the focus as the placers began to play out. The richest was the Tilton (later known as Only Chance). Amalgamation mills were being built including the Tilton's Red Mill which would end up running until 1915. By the late 1870s, most of the mile long stretch of road that comprised Red Mountain City and Highland City sat vacant. The desolation came after owners and stockholders of The Ballarat Mine received no dividends following four years of working the ore. Upon further investigation, the company reported that "the whole gulch isn't worth two bits". Nevertheless, a few determined souls held on, turning to hydraulicking. Some mines produced off and on into the 1920s. The Great Depression saw a rise in placer and some lode mining. Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Is there gold in them thar hills? Miner, Beastly Butler is reported to have placed his dust in tin cans back in the day, burying them near his cabin around Red Mountain City. Beastly was killed by a cave-in on his claim, his stash....?? The Silver Dollar Saloon (seen on the right) in Utica, Montana was built in partnership by Walter Waite and Ed Morris in 1888. In the back of the saloon was a tall, square icehouse built just for the saloon's use. During the time of prohibition, the saloon was turned into a pool hall and run by Finch David. He closed it in 1935. Photo Courtesy of Don Waite
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