In the southwestern corner of Montana, far from even the distant sounds of civilization, lies the little town of Bannack. (Really, it’s in the middle of nowhere. You have to want to go. But since it’s “riddled with paranormal activity,” I’ll understand if you choose to stay home.)
Bannack is a particularly well-preserved ghost town. Most of the buildings are open for exploration, the state park-provided interpretive map is actually helpful, and there are well-maintained trails to the gallows—where Henry Plummer was hanged in 1864—as well as to the older of two cemeteries.
Speaking of which, there’s no better illustration of the explosive growth of western mining towns than a tour of the local boot hill. William Bell’s crude sandstone marker (left) was placed the year Bannack was founded and, given the town’s remote location, was probably the best anyone could have hoped for. But by the time young Horace Herr died in 1879—just a little over 16 years later—ornately carved marble tombstones (right) had become the norm.
Bonus: Big Hole National Battlefield is just an hour’s drive northwest of Bannack. It’s part of Nez Perce National Historical Park, which comprises 38 sites over a four-state area. The story of what happened here in 1877 isn’t for the faint of heart, but the park service has done an admirable job in its effort to “honor all who were there.”
