Garnet, Montana

A view of Garnet from the walk down to the town.

Garnet, is a town located in Montana, United States founded in the 1860s as a mining town. The town is currently abandoned hence dubbed a Ghost Town, Garnet is currently owned by the Montana Bureau of Land Management. The town is named after the stone Garnet which was mined near the town. At its peak, the population of Garnet was approximately 1,200. Reports of the town being haunted have also surfaced on numerous occasions by visitors.

History

Garnet was founded in the 1860s primarily as a mining town although other businesses existed. At it's peak Garnet had four hotels, four stores, two barbershops, a butcher shop, a school, a doctor’s office, laundry facilities and thirteen saloons. By the turn of the 20th century the gold in Garnet began to run out and mines were closed, despite this, Garnet still had enough of a non mining industry to support itself.

In 1912, a fire raged through the town of Garnet destroying much of the commercial property. Many of the residents decided not to rebuild the town and left for neighboring towns and cities, the job prospects brought by World War 1 also lured residents away. The town experienced a short revival during the Great Depression due to rising gold prices, the start of World War 2 once again caused people to move out as restrictions on dynamite were in place and more job opportunities arose.

Garnet is also seen as Montana's best kept Ghost Town, preservation initiatives first began in the 1970s in response to increased reports of looting. Today 30 buildings still remain standing in Garnet.

From December 1 to April 30, cabins can be rented in Garnet with prices ranging from $30-40 a night. The cabins are furnished to the specifications of a home in Garnet during its peak. During this time the town is only accessible by snowmobile as the main road is closed due to the dangers of driving on snow.

The roads leading up to Garnet are open during parts of the year although are closed when weather permits. Roughly 11km of road is unpaved on the way leading up to Garnet leading to unsafe conditions. The Garnet Preservation Association has made claims that the infrastructure of Garnet will be improved gradually.

Trivia

• Garnet was the site of the 2004 film, Ghouls Gone Wild.
• Garnet's oldest living and last born member is Mary Jane Adams Morin at the age of 92.