Silver City

State: Idaho County: Owyhee County Founded: 1864 Peak Population: 2,500-4,000

Silver City is one of America's best-preserved ghost towns—75 original buildings still stand. It was the Owyhee County seat for 68 years. The Poorman Mine on War Eagle Mountain produced a 500-pound silver crystal that won gold at the 1867 Paris Exposition. Idaho's first daily newspaper started here.

Quick Facts

  • 500-pound silver crystal won gold medal at 1867 Paris Exposition
  • Idaho's first daily newspaper (Owyhee Avalanche)
  • First telegraph office in Idaho Territory (1874)
  • One of America's best-preserved ghost towns with 75 buildings

Location

Address: Owyhee Mountains, Owyhee County, Idaho

Coordinates: 43.0095, -116.7333