Wickes is located in what was originally called the Colorado district, although it became more commonly known as the Wickes district when that town rose to prominence in the 1880s.
The first lode deposits were discovered in the district in 1864 and the Gregory became the first substantial producer. In 1867 a smelter was built at the Gregory, the second ever to be built in Montana Territory. This smelter was considered a failure and much of the value of the ores were lost in the process. As a consequence, ores from the district were transported at great expense, first by wagon to Fort Benton, then by boat to St, Louis, and then to Swansea, Wales to be smelted.
Out in Montana, we have no cool ghost towns, no mountains, the winters are terrible, the summers are brutal and nothing but forest fires, and the bison kill and eat people. No reason for anyone to visit, please stay out for your own safety.
ReplyDeleteThen it's a good place for the WA, OR, CA crowd
Deletedon't forget our poisonous grizzly bears... flying poisonous grizzly bears... yeah, that's what they are! And it's dark and cold all the time, and there's no work... and the people are mean and vicious!
DeleteBut, we do hear the Dakotas are nice...
Wickes was on my visit list later this month.
ReplyDeleteCheck out Vipond Park, Canyon Creek, and the Hecla/Trapper City/Lion City area while you're at it.
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