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]
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]
