Did you know that Montana’s first capitol was named Bannock, after the Native tribe that called the region home? This is only one of the many fascinating aspects of this town and it’s history. Although it is relatively unknown, Bannock is one of the top vacation spots in the USA if you’re a history buff.

The town of Bannock marks the site of Montana’s first gold find in 1861, which resulted in the town of Bannock being officially established in 1862. The town reached a peak of 3000 souls in its heyday, with multiple hotels, bakeries, and blacksmith shops. It also provided services such as restaurants and saloons. Ordinarily however, the population hovered between 300-500 strong. Despite its small size, the town had an intense and bloody history, and is considered by historians to be one of the critical locations of the Civil War. Bannock is now a ghost town, preserved to this day for anyone who would like a taste of what life was like during the civil war era.

One of the local celebrities was a sheriff of Bannock, a man named Henry Plummer, who was the head of a gang called the Vigilance Committee or the Vigilantes. The purpose of this group was simple. The Civil War was raging hotly, and every war needs a good supply of funds to keep it going. The Union considered Bannock to be a perfect source, except for one thing: it was basically in enemy territory. So, the Vigilantes were formed and charged with protecting and assuring the flow of gold, which they did with a vengeance. The gang was responsible for over a hundred deaths in a very short time, climaxing with the death by strangulation of 21 men, some of whom were killed for protesting earlier executions!

In the end, the North won the war, the capital of Montana was moved to Virginia City, and the city began to die out. The death happened slowly, however; so slowly that the last residents didn’t leave until the 1970’s.

This slow decay is perfect for history buffs and photographers, since it has left between 40-60 log structures still standing, many of which can be explored. Particularly exciting to explore are the Hotel Meade and the school, both of which are located in the center of the town. Other popular sites include cabins in the forest, quite a few private homes, and even the creek where gold-miners panned for the precious metal.

Only 50 miles away is another historic site, Big Hole Battlefield. It was here that Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians uttered the famous phrase, “I will fight no more, forever” before the local tribes were forced to leave their traditional lands for small reservations elsewhere.

Bannock and the surrounding area is a wonderful place to go for those interested in exploring the past and getting a feel for what life was like back before microwaves, television, and the Internet. So next time you’re planning a vacation, forget the over-crowded tourist resorts and come experience a real piece of American history!