Sawtooth City, Idaho, Blaine County is a fascinating ghost town nestled in the rugged landscape of Idaho that echoes the tales of a bygone era. Once a bustling mining hub, it now offers a glimpse into the past with its remnants of prosperity and decline. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Blaine County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 43.8747° N, 114.7333° W
Elevation: Approximately 7,400 feet (2,256 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1879
Disestablished: Late 1880s
Comments: Sawtooth City emerged during the 1879 gold rush, attracting miners and fortune seekers. The town’s development was swift, driven by the discovery of rich gold and silver deposits in the area.
Despite its promising start, the town faced challenges typical of frontier mining towns, including harsh winters and limited supplies, which impeded its growth and sustainability.
Remains: Very few structures remain in Sawtooth City today. Visitors can find scattered foundations and some remnants of the original buildings, which are slowly being reclaimed by nature. These remains offer a haunting yet enchanting insight into the town’s brief period of activity.
Current Status: Sawtooth City is a ghost town with no permanent residents. It is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and its remains are accessible to visitors interested in history and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Remarks: Sawtooth City poignantly reminds us of the transient nature of mining towns during the American frontier era. It is a popular destination for hikers, historians, and those seeking solitude amid the stunning backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains.
The town’s legacy continues to attract those inspired by the stories of the Old West and the relentless pursuit of fortune.
