Silver City, Idaho, Owyhee County is a fascinating ghost town nestled in the rugged landscapes of southwestern Idaho. Once a bustling mining hub during the late 19th century, Silver City now reflects the boom-and-bust cycles of the American West. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Owyhee County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 43.0155° N, 116.7335° W
Elevation: Approximately 6,200 feet (1,890 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1864
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but the population markedly declined by the early 20th century.
Comments: Silver City was established during the Idaho gold rush era, attracting a population keen to strike it rich. At its peak, the town boasted over 2,500 residents and was equipped with over 75 businesses, including hotels, saloons, and a newspaper.
The DeLamar Mine, one of the most productive silver mines in the area, contributed greatly to the town’s prosperity. However, as the ore began to deplete, the population dwindled, leaving behind a rich history and a collection of stories from the Old West. Silver City is a ghost town in Owyhee County, Idaho, United States.
At its height in the 1880s, Silver City was a gold and silver mining town with a population of around 2,500 and approximately 75 businesses. From 1867 to 1934, it served as the county seat of Owyhee County. Today, the town has about 70 standing buildings, all privately owned.
Many of the owners are the original miners’ third- or fourth-generation descendants. There are a handful of small businesses but no gas or service stations. The Bureau of Land Management now owns the property.
Remains: Today, over 70 structures remain in Silver City, most of which date back to the late 19th century. These include a well-preserved hotel, a former schoolhouse, several homes, and the old Idaho Hotel, which still operates seasonally.
The town itself is largely intact, offering a glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of the era. Silver City was founded in 1864 soon after silver was discovered at nearby War Eagle Mountain (elev. 8,065 ft (2,458 m)).
The settlement grew quickly and was soon considered one of the major cities in the Idaho Territory. The first daily newspaper and telegraph office in Idaho Territory were established in Silver City.
The town was also among the first places in present-day Idaho to receive electric and telephone service. The placer and quartz vein mines became depleted around the time Idaho became a state in 1890.
Due partly to its extremely remote location, Silver City began a slow decline but was never completely abandoned. Small-scale mining continued off and on until World War II; the last mine to be operated all year round in Silver City was the “Potossi,” managed by Ned Williams.
Current Status: Silver City is considered a ghost town, though it remains a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. It is privately owned but open to the public during summer, providing a unique opportunity to explore its historical buildings and scenic surroundings.
Remarks: Silver City is an extraordinary example of a preserved ghost town, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the charm of the Old West. Its remote location and well-maintained structures make it a favored spot for those interested in the historical narrative of mining towns in the United States.
Despite its status as a ghost town, Silver City’s story continues to fascinate and inspire those who venture into its mountainous enclave. The Idaho Hotel in Silver City was restored and re-opened for tourists in 1972.
It relies on propane refrigerators and stoves to supply cold drinks and snacks or a complete meal to guests during the summer months. The rooms are fitted with indoor plumbing and furnished with antiques, making it a tourist destination.
