Location: Bannack, Beaverhead County
On September 24, 1862, the town of Bannack was founded following the discovery of gold on Grasshopper Creek. This event triggered a major gold rush, attracting thousands of prospectors to the area and leading to the establishment of Montana's first territorial capital. Bannack quickly grew into a bustling boomtown, with a diverse population of miners, merchants, and entrepreneurs. However, the town also gained a reputation for lawlessness, with a notorious gang of road agents led by Sheriff Henry Plummer preying on the gold shipments. The founding of Bannack was a pivotal moment in Montana's history, marking the beginning of the state's gold rush era and laying the foundation for its future economic and political development. Today, Bannack is a well-preserved ghost town and a state park, offering a glimpse into the turbulent and exciting days of the Montana frontier.