Aldridge
Coal Town in Yellowstone Country
State: Montana
County: Park County
Founded: 1896
Abandoned: 1925
Peak Population: 1,500
Aldridge was built high on a mountainside to mine coal for the Northern Pacific Railroad. The town had 1,500 residents, a company store, and a dramatic location overlooking the Yellowstone River valley. When the coal ran out, the town was abandoned, leaving ruins perched on the cliffs.
High Altitude Coal
The Northern Pacific built Aldridge to fuel its locomotives. The remote mountain location made supply difficult, but the coal was essential.
Abandonment
When diesel locomotives replaced steam, the demand for coal vanished. Aldridge was abandoned, and the mountain began reclaiming the site.
Timeline
- 1896 - Founded Coal mining began
- 1910 - Peak Population around 1,500
- 1925 - Closed Mines shut down
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate - rough road
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- Located near Yellowstone National Park
- Ruins sit on dramatic cliffs
- Accessible via dirt road
Location
Address: Near Jardine, Montana
Coordinates: 45.0953, -110.7722