Silver City is a ghost town in the North-Western Idaho State that was formerly a hub of gold and silver mining. Established in the 1860s, the city is now listed on the National Register of historic places and serves as a tourist attraction site.

Growth of Silver City

It is one of the towns that were given rise due to their treasures. Silver was discovered in the region in 1864 and soon the settlement that would later be called Silver Town grew to make it one of the major cities in Idaho State. Silver City was the first in Idaho State to receive electricity and telephone services. Though there are no major railroads that passed through the town, the first newspaper and telegraph office was established in Silver City in the 1870s.

Fall of the mines

Mining in the region accelerated the growth of Silver City so much that when they were exhausted, the city faced the threat of extinction. Its remote location was also a factor in its slow downfall. In 1890, the placer and quartz vein mines were depleted and closed down their operations leaving only the Pottosi mine. The last mine standing "Potossi" operated on and off until it was shut down during World War 2. Silver City was abandoned by mine workers who were the majority of the town leaving only one man Willie Hawes. Willie Hawes born in the town stayed as a caretaker of the town until 1968 when he died. The town was forsaken up to date.

Restoration of a ruin

Idaho hotel in Silver City after years of standing in despair was renovated and opened to tourists. The same year, Silver City and its environs were listed on the National register of historic places. Although the Idaho hotel within the city was restored and modernized for the comfort of tourists, the rest of the Silver City Historic District has been preserved the way it was in the 1880s.

Is Silver City Historic District open for Visits?

Silver City together with the whole historic district is under the management of the Bureau of land management. It offers tours at the district and in the once-booming town only in summer that is from July to October. The rest of the months roads to Silver City are closed for visits or tours.

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