Coolidge Ghost Town

Gold was first found here in 1872, but it was not until a former Montana governor started buying claims in this high mountain valley in 1911 that the rush in Coolidge began. By 1914 the camp had become a town with electricity, telegraph, and homes, and soon also came a large mill and railroad. By 1930, however, the town was on the decline. Today, a one-mile hike leads to the remains of Coolidge's main street, with a collection of collapsed or collapsing buildings and a handful of others in good condition. A creek bubbles along, lending background music and a healthy breeding ground for mosquitoes.