York in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

York Gold Discovery Point

History of Mining and Community

Photographed by Jake, February 27, 2026

1. York Gold Discovery Point History of Mining and Community Marker

Inscription. On January 13, 1866, four hunters named Moore, Price, Ritter, and Spivey discovered gold near the confluence of Trout Creek and New York Gulch (present Blackbear Road), approximately 100 yards south of this point. The party was returning from an unsuccessful prospecting venture in the Sun River country when it reached this spot by way of the eastern front of the Big Belt Mountains.

The discovery initiated a local sequence of placer mining, hydraulic mining, river bar dredging, and underground mining, which tapped the rich ore veins in the Big Belt Mountains. A few of the larger underground mines were named the Old Amber, Little Dandy, and Golden Messenger. Also, an abundance of sapphires were found as a result of these operations, especially along the Missouri River. During the mining era the population of York was estimated to be between three thousand and five thousand. The next 80 years yielded an estimated $20,000,000-at $21/ounce-from gold mining operations in the York area.

Some of the prospectors and miners brought their families to the area, and these families moved into farming, ranching, logging, and other

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businesses as mining opportunities receded. These enterprises resulted in the creation of a stable community and many of their descendants still call York home. Their feelings of fellowship and commitment to their neighbors have made York the permanent, vibrant community that surrounds you today.

Plaque provided by the Montana Historical Society 2016

Erected 2016 by Four Georgians Historical Society Outpost of Estanislao Chapter 58 E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 13, 1866.

Location. 46° 43.314′ N, 111° 45.148′ W. Marker is in York, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of York Road and Nelson Road, on the left when traveling east on York Road. The monument is located across the road from the York Bar, just before the cemetery on Nelson road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7500 York Rd, Helena MT 59602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

York Gold Discovery Point Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jake, February 27, 2026

2. York Gold Discovery Point Marker

this marker is in Central Montana, in Gold West Country and in Greater Helena.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Manlove Homestead (approx. 12 miles away); Gates of the Mountains (approx. 12.1 miles away); East Helena Main Street Park (approx. 12.1 miles away); Gates of the Mountain (approx. 12½ miles away); The Prickly Pear Diggings (approx. 16.2 miles away).

More about this marker. This is a very nicely placed monument with parking close by.

Regarding York Gold Discovery Point. This monument was a collaboration between the Montana Historical Society and Four Georgians Chapter of E Clampus Vitus to share the history of York.

Additional keywords. Four Georgians Chapter 4681, Estanislao Chapter 58, E Clampus Vitus, York Montana, Montana Historical

Photographed by Jake, February 27, 2026

3. York Gold Discovery Point Marker

This Monument Erected by Four Georgians Historical Society Outpost of Estanislao Chapter 58 E Clampus Vitus

Society

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Jake of Missoula, Montana. This page has been viewed 23 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Jake of Missoula, Montana. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.