South Mountain City, Idaho, Owyhee County, is a ghost town with a rich history tied to the mining boom of the late 19th century. Once bustling with activity, it now reflects the ephemeral nature of such communities. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Owyhee
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 43.1167° N, 116.7333° W
Elevation: Approximately 5,500 feet
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: 1868
Disestablished: 1873
Comments: South Mountain City was established during intense mining activity in the Owyhee Mountains. The town quickly developed with the discovery of rich silver deposits, attracting miners and entrepreneurs hoping to capitalize on the boom. Its rapid growth mirrored the volatile nature of mining towns.
Remains: Very little remains of South Mountain City today. Visitors may find scattered foundations and mining equipment remnants hinting at its once-prosperous past. Nature has largely reclaimed the area, and the site is considered remote and challenging.
Current Status: South Mountain City is classified as a ghost town. There are no permanent residents, and it is not actively maintained as a historical site.
Remarks: The story of South Mountain City is symbolic of many mining towns of its era—a swift rise fueled by resource extraction, followed by an equally swift decline as resources were depleted.
The town’s remote location and harsh climate contributed to its abandonment, and today, it serves as a historical point of interest for those exploring Idaho’s ghost towns and mining history.
