Saving Garnet Ghost Town Started in 1972...
Fortunately for visitors today, H.E.A. Davey donated his mineral lode that covered most of the town to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1972. Since then, the BLM and Garnet Preservation Association have worked hand in hand to protect the buildings from further deterioration and vandalism, and to interpret the site for the public.
The Young Adult Conservation Corps, Youth Conservation Corps and Green Thumb programs all worked extensively in the 1970s to clean up Garnet and reconstruct buildings in danger of collapse. Historic preservation experts were called in to take on challenging projects, including a new foundation and drainage system for the Wells Hotel in 1973.
And Continues Today
Recent preservation work focused on Davey's Store when the roof collapsed under heavy snowfall during the 1996-97 winter. Workers and BLM staff are currently experimenting with stain mixtures to blend new wood shakes and boards with the old.
"The greatest compliment I think I ever received was from a visitor who said, 'I haven't been here in 20 years and you haven't done a thing to fix up these buildings,'" said Dick Fichtler, BLM resource manager.
Today, more than 22,000 visitors annually visit Garnet. Staff and volunteers answer questions and lead tours daily throughout the summer. The visitor center in Garnet is open weekends during the winter as well.
Through the buildings and remembrances of Garnet residences, the ghost town lives on as a reminder of Montana's mining past and rugged individuals.
Other
Stories
Gold In The Garnets
Chinese Presence
Town of Garnet Named in 1897
Family Living in a Gold Mining Town?
Riches Fade
Kelly's Saloon
J. K. Wells Hotel
Davey's General Store
Ole's Tavern
Dahl Cabin
Blacksmith Shop
Garnet School
Jail
Miners Union Hall
Adams House
Honeymoon Cabin
Warren Park
Highlights from interview with Mary Jane Morin, June 11, 1999
Letter from Hills Bros. Coffee to Mrs. Adams
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Copyright © 2000, Garnet Preservation Association and Bureau of Land Management of Montana