DescriptionCastle Town derives its name from its location at the base of the Castle Mountains, which resemble the crenellated towers of a medieval castle. Rich deposits of lead and silver brought miners to the area beginning in 1882, and they established mines named Blue Bell, Cumberland, Lamar, Morning Star, and Belle of the Castles. Residents marked the official birthday of Castle Town as April 20, 1887, which celebrated the community’s first smelter. As silver prices soared, Castle Town boomed, reaching approximately 2,000 residents. Two more smelters were added, and the future looked bright for the community until Congress repealed the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890. The good times ended when silver prices plummeted and the Panic of 1893 began. By the mid-1890s, most residents had moved on. Today Castle Town exists as a ghost of its former prosperous self.Contributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation6011 ft. CountyMeagher County
