Cliff City, Idaho, Owyhee County was once a bustling part of the mining boom in Idaho but now stands as a silent memorial to the passage of time. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Owyhee County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 43.0120° N, 116.7370° W
Elevation: Approximately 5,100 feet
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: Around 1880
Disestablished: Early 1900s
Comments: Cliff City emerged during the late 19th-century mining rush, primarily for silver and gold extraction. Its location in the rugged terrain of Owyhee County made it a challenging place to live but also an exciting frontier for those seeking fortune.
The town attracted miners and prospectors, creating a vibrant, albeit short-lived community.
Remains: Very little remains of Cliff City today. Only scattered remnants of foundations and mining equipment can be found, with nature reclaiming much of what was once there. The site is remote, accessible only by dirt roads, and visitors should be prepared for a rugged journey.
Current Status: Cliff City is considered a ghost town, with no permanent residents and no active services or businesses. It is occasionally visited by history enthusiasts, adventurers, and those interested in Idaho’s mining past.
Remarks: Cliff City’s story is common in the American West, where towns sprang up overnight and disappeared just as quickly with the boom and bust cycle of mining.
Its existence is a fascinating chapter in Idaho’s history, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of frontier life. Visitors should respect the land and any remaining historical artifacts, as they are fragile links to the past.
