Gibbonsville, Idaho, Lemhi County, is a fascinating ghost town nestled in the scenic mountains of Idaho. Once a bustling mining town, it now symbolizes the transient nature of boomtowns. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Lemhi County
Zip Code: 83463
Latitude / Longitude: 45.5667° N, 113.7833° W
Elevation: 4,724 feet
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1877
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Gibbonsville was founded during the gold rush era in 1877 when gold was discovered in the area. It quickly grew as miners flocked to the town, hoping to strike it rich.
Named after General John Gibbon, it was one of the many mining towns in Idaho during this period. The town had a vibrant community with several hundred residents, schools, saloons, and other establishments typical of mining towns of the era.
Unfortunately, like many such towns, its prosperity was short-lived as the gold played out.
Remains: Only a few buildings and ruins remain today, providing a glimpse into its past. Some structures have been preserved or restored, giving visitors a sense of what life might have been like during its heyday.
Current Status: Gibbonsville is considered a ghost town, although a few residents still live there. It is primarily a quiet, rural community that focuses on tourism and outdoor recreation, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude and historical exploration.
Remarks: Gibbonsville poignantly reminds visitors of the boom-and-bust cycles that characterized the American West during the gold rushes. Its serene setting amidst the mountains makes it a picturesque location for those interested in history and the great outdoors.
Despite its status as a ghost town, Gibbonsville continues to capture the imagination of visitors and historians alike, preserving a slice of Idaho’s rich mining heritage.
