Named after the semi-precious stone found in the area, Garnet began with the simple method of panning for gold. When a 32 ounce nugget was discovered, the race was on. Because of lack of roads, placer mining was the method of choice since heavier equipment could not yet be brought in. Finally in 1895, a stamp mill was erected the same year a road was constructed. Veins paid out and then played out and by 1900, the rush was over. Like most towns that dwindled after the boom a few stayed on. By 1912 only 15o residents remained out of a previous population of over 1,000. Now there are no permanent residents.
Although the gravel road is passable by any vehicle much of the year, we can attest to a rather rough road due to the washboarded surface. The town is the best maintained "Ghost Town" in all of Montana due to the auspices of the Bureau of Land Management. Entrance fee is $3 per person and free for seniors. The day we were there, there were many folks out enjoying the scenery and curiosity of the town. It would be easy to spend most of the day there imagining what it was like to work and live there over a hundred years ago. We were fascinated by the still partially stocked general store and the Honeymoon Cottage.
It was a fairly steep trek down into the town from the parking lot, so we were glad we had our favorite Root Beer in the cooler. The XS brand is an energy drink that gives you an energy boost without the sugar. The best description I've heard is "a vitamin B cocktail." We love that it actually tastes like an old fashioned sarsaparilla -- perfect for a ghost town adventure!
Lee: scs@sonic.net