Bannack

Bannack State Park, Montana.

I am captivated by the old west. I am also captivated by 1800’s England but that’s a post for another day. I love discovering the history of the old west but more so, I love photographing what is left from this chunk of our history.

The stories, the way of life, the simplicity of a technology-free world mixed with sunshine, dirt, and a tremendous amount of labor. It is all a bit of magic to me.

Bannack is a place I have wanted to visit for years and this passion to visit was reignited after seeing the photos a photographer friend of mine, Carrie, posted after her family trip.

The drive to Bannack from our home base is a little under 2 hours away.

I woke the kids up early that morning after my Jeremy and I decided on a whim to go and check this item off of my bucket list. The two littles were excited while the almost 13-year-old begged (and failed) to be left home.

We loaded up and headed out on a very dry, very dusty, very hot Montana summer afternoon.

Bannack was founded in 1862 when John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek. As news of the gold strike spread many prospectors and businessmen rushed to Bannack hoping to strike it rich. In 1864, Bannack was named as the first Territorial Capital of Montana. (via bannack.org)

In 1863 gold had been discovered near Virginia City and at that time many prospectors left Bannack in hopes of finding the mother lode in Virginia City. However, some people stayed in Bannack and explored the use of further mining techniques. (via bannack.org)

From the late 1860's to the 1930's, Bannack continued as a mining town with a fluctuating population. By the 1950's gold workings had dwindled and most folks had moved on. At that point the State of Montana declared Bannack a State Park. 
(via bannack.org)

The textiles and peeling wallpaper in these buildings was my creative spirit animal.

“Advertising Supplies” - I would have loved to open this drawer in its prime.

1915 rules for teachers. That’s a big no for me.

Today, over sixty structures remain standing, most of which can be explored. People from all over visit this renowned ghost town to discover their heritage. (via bannack.org)

Hotel Meade - haunted with an intriguing back story. Read it HERE. (We did not have a run-in with ghosts, but the second floor of this hotel was c.r.e.e.p.y with an exceptionally eerie feeling. After doing some research, I now know why.)

Our post - Hotel Meade faces. We all voted that was the creepiest building we toured.

That’s a wrap! Thank you Bannack for the memories!

July 2019