The Economic Times

In 1862, a single gold discovery turned this remote valley into Montana's first capital; today, more than 50 buildings still stand frozen in time

Montana's first territorial capital, Bannack, was established in 1862 after gold discovery. This frontier town quickly grew and then declined as miners moved on. Montana preserved Bannack as its first historic state park in 1954. Over fifty original buildings remain, offering a complete glimpse into Gold Rush life. Visitors can experience history where it happened at this well-preserved ghost town.