Near Elk City in Idaho County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Elk City Townsite

Gold Rush Loop Tour

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 5, 2018

1. Elk City Townsite Marker

Inscription. Elk City was the first mining town in Idaho County. The first miners saw a herd of at least 700 elk while camping on the hill east of the present townsite, hence the name Elk City. In September 1861, Elk City was established between Elk City and American River. It soon boasted 2000 people, five or six general stores, five saloons, and two hotels. By the fall of 1862, Elk City's boom was fading. Reports of new gold strikes in Montana lured Elk City residents toward the next end of the rainbow. Elk City persists today as a testament to the undaunted spirit of those first prospectors who cries of "GOLD!" echoed across the country and the world.

Erected by Nez Perce National Forest.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1861.

Location. 45° 48.492′ N, 115° 28.542′ W. Marker is near Elk City, Idaho, in Idaho County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 14 at milepost 44 and Red River Road, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 14. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elk City ID 83525, United States

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Regionally, this marker is in North Idaho — Idaho’s Panhandle.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

specifically in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Buffalo Pit (approx. ¼ mile away); Nez Perce Trail (approx. 2.2 miles away); Elk City (approx. 2.2 miles away).

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 5, 2018

2. Elk City Townsite Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 517 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.