Bonanza, human settlement in Idaho, United States of America
Bonanza is a ghost town in Idaho with about seven buildings still standing, some carefully restored and others showing signs of age and decay. The site sits near Yankee Fork stream in a mountain valley, laid out like a typical mining settlement from the late 1800s.
Bonanza was founded in 1876 after the discovery of the General Custer Mine and grew rapidly to over 600 residents by 1881. A major fire in 1889 destroyed much of the town, after which residents moved away to the nearby area of Custer.
The name Bonanza reflects the hopes of prospectors seeking wealth in these hills. The remaining buildings like the schoolhouse and old saloon show how residents gathered and lived together during the mining years.
The site is open to visitors with a marked walking tour that points out key buildings and historic sites along the way. The old schoolhouse serves as a visitor center where you can learn about the town and start exploring the area on foot.
A massive gold dredge built in 1939 still stands nearby and operated until 1952, removing over 11 million dollars in gold from the streams during its active years. This preserved machine offers visitors a chance to see the large-scale mining equipment used after the town was abandoned.
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