Garnet Ghost Town: Barn, Blacksmith Shop, Jail (Photo Diary)

The mining town of Garnet was established in Montana’s Garnet Mountains in 1895. Today it is a ghost town managed in a state of arrested development by the Bureau of Land Management and the Garnet Preservation Association. Among the remaining log cabins in Garnet Ghost Town are a barn, the blacksmith’s shop, and the jail.

Barn

The barn was built between 1896 and 1900. It was originally intended to be used as a stable. The loft was used for storing feed for the horses.

Blacksmith Shop

The blacksmith shop open between 1896 and 1900. The blacksmith, Billy Liberty, kept the horses shod and the wagons running. He also sharped picks for the miners and forged common household items. When he wasn’t at the forge, Billy Liberty also drove the stage to Bearmouth.

Jail

The jail was erected in 1897 and saw very little use. The structure looks like a cabin but has some additional security features. According to the information sign:

“The log ceiling and log floor prevented prisoners from digging out. One small window let light in.”

According to the information pamphlet:

“During the early days, there were shootings and problems with claim jumpers, but people generally would work out these messes without using the jail.”

According to the information sign:

“This cabin probably served as a drunk tank more than anything else. The miners union presided over a Miner’s Court to handle disputes. Thieves and other serious criminals were packed off to Deer Lodge or Missoula for prosecution.”

The only recorded inmate was Frank Kearns whose drunken spree led to a night in jail for killing a dog.

Garnet Ghost Town

Public Lands: The Garnet Ghost Town (Photo Diary)