Warren, Idaho, Idaho County is a enchanting ghost town with a rich history of gold mining and frontier life, nestled in the rugged terrains of the Payette National Forest. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Idaho County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 45.3814° N, 115.6758° W
Elevation: 5,900 feet (1,798 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Established: 1862
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but declined markedly in the 20th century
Comments: Warren was established during the Idaho gold rush in 1862, attracting miners and settlers looking for fortune in the gold-rich mountains. At its peak, it was one of the largest mining towns in Idaho, bustling with activity and serving as a crucial hub for the region. However, as gold supplies dwindled and other opportunities arose, the town experienced a decline.
Remains: Today, Warren contains several original buildings, including log cabins, a general store, and a few preserved or restored homes. The town retains much of its historical charm, offering a glimpse into its vibrant past.
Miners from the previous gold strikes in Pierce and Florence fanned out to the south and discovered gold in the Warren Creek area in August 1862. It led to the formation of the settlement in Washington Territory, which became one of the oldest settlements in present-day Idaho.
With a gold mining boom in multiple regions during the Civil War, the Idaho Territory was established in 1863. Shortly after the gold discovery by Lewiston’s James Warren, the Warren’s Camp population swelled to over 2,000; the southerners called their area of the camp “Richmond,” and northerners called theirs “Washington.”
Washington was established as the seat of Idaho County from June 1, 1869, until voters in the June 1875 election selected Mount Idaho over Slate Creek and Washington. After the initial boom ended in 1875, Warren was known for its significant Chinese population.
The boom-town population plummeted when mining declined but enjoyed a brief renaissance in the 1930s with the introduction of dredge mining in the area. During World War II, gold mining was shut down by the U.S. government in 1942.
Following the war, interest in Warren was high for rare-earth metals in its by-product monazite. A modest gold mining industry remains in the area.
Current Status: Though no longer a thriving town, Warren is not entirely abandoned. It is classified as a ghost town with few residents who live there year-round. It is a historical site and a point of interest for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Forest fires have threatened The town several times, most recently in 1989, 2000, and 2007. Recent fires have made the Warren area a haven for more mushroom hunting. Warren currently has a full-time population of 12 to 16.
Remarks: Warren’s remote location and preserved historical structures make it a fascinating destination for those interested in Idaho’s gold rush history and the rugged lifestyle of early settlers. The town’s enduring legacy and serene surroundings offer a unique opportunity for exploration and reflection on the past.
