The mining town of Garnet was established in Montana’s Garnet Mountains in 1895. In 1898, Garnet had a population of about 1,000 and by 1905, only 150 remained. In 1934, gold prices were raised and, together with new technology, another gold boom began. By 1936, the population had increased to 250. With World War II, the boom disappeared and in 1942 the post office closed. By 1948, the general store had closed, and souvenir hunters were looting the town. Today it is a ghost town managed in a state of arrested decay by the Bureau of Land Management and the Garnet Preservation Association. The J.K. Wells Hotel was built in 1897 and is the most impressive building in Garnet.
According to the information pamphlet:
“With its elaborate woodwork, it was equal to the luxurious buildings in Helena. Before weather and vandals took their toll, the entry was through beautifully carved doors with stained glass windows.”
Shown above is the hotel office and the door leading to the grand dining room.
Shown above is a baby’s walker.
Shown above is the ladies’ parlor.
Another view of the ladies’ parlor.
The hotel’s outhouse is shown above.
The back of the hotel showing the outhouse. The second-story door originally had stairs so that guests in the second-story rooms could easily access the outhouse when needed.
Kitchen
More Garnet Ghost Town
Public Lands: The Garnet Ghost Town (Photo Diary)
Garnet Ghost Town: Barn, Blacksmith's Shop, and Jail (Photo Diary)
Garnet Ghost Town: Kelly's Saloon (Photo Diary)
Garnet Ghost Town: Davey's Store (Photo Diary)