The historical significance of Alder Gulch
cannot be understated. With the discovery of gold in 1863 and
through to 1937, it is estimated that over 4,000,000 ounces of gold
were recovered from this area. Alder Gulch is considered to have
been one of the richest placer gold discoveries in U.S. history.
With the discovery, this 14-mile stretch of gold-rich mountain
stream became home to the largest population between Minneapolis and
San Francisco with over 30,000 residents. By contrast, the
population of the area today is around 2,000 permanent residents.
The historic character of the area is preserved in the restored mining towns of Nevada City and Virginia City. These towns still contain many original buildings and homes, many which were purchased by the State of Montana in 1996 for purposes of historical preservation. Virginia City and Nevada City are popular summer attractions, and feature playhouses, restaurants, and various businesses operated on a seasonal basis. Prominent reminders of past mining activities are large gravel dredge piles located along the highway running through Alder Gulch.
After the gold rush, residents began to accumulate land holdings for livestock production, and through the years southwestern Montana developed into an area of large livestock ranches. Ranching operations in the area still predominate, with many longtime owner-operators in business today. Also apparent in the area are prominent investors and nonresident landowners who have purchased ranches over the past 10 to 20 years. Hunting, fishing, scenery, wide open spaces and an unspoiled area with an easygoing ranching lifestyle have provided much of the attraction.
The historic character of the area is preserved in the restored mining towns of Nevada City and Virginia City. These towns still contain many original buildings and homes, many which were purchased by the State of Montana in 1996 for purposes of historical preservation. Virginia City and Nevada City are popular summer attractions, and feature playhouses, restaurants, and various businesses operated on a seasonal basis. Prominent reminders of past mining activities are large gravel dredge piles located along the highway running through Alder Gulch.
After the gold rush, residents began to accumulate land holdings for livestock production, and through the years southwestern Montana developed into an area of large livestock ranches. Ranching operations in the area still predominate, with many longtime owner-operators in business today. Also apparent in the area are prominent investors and nonresident landowners who have purchased ranches over the past 10 to 20 years. Hunting, fishing, scenery, wide open spaces and an unspoiled area with an easygoing ranching lifestyle have provided much of the attraction.
