The tiny community of Pony sits on the eastern edge of the Tobacco Root Mountains in Madison County. While less than 200 people call it home now, it was once home to about 5,000 gold miners. And even though those days are over, this little village seems to be frozen in time. Let’s take a trip to Pony, a ghost town in Montana that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

It's not every day you hear about a town that was named after a man whose name no one could remember, but that's what happened with Pony.
Flickred! / Flickr
Pony was the nickname of a man who would travel from camp to camp, panning for enough gold to survive in hopes of striking it rich. He responded to the name Pony because of his short stature (allegedly he wasn't even 5 feet tall). Apparently, the name stuck, because hardly anyone knew his real name was Tecumseth Smith.
But by 1922, the mines were shut down, and Pony eventually became a glorified ghost town.
Flickred! / Flickr
In 1920, a fire swept through town, but several buildings (like the Morris State Bank and the Masonic Building) survived.
While many of its original structures remain, there are no new businesses in Pony, and that's why it seems as if time stands still here.
Flickred! / Flickr

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Of course, people still love to visit Pony Bar, where the drinks are still flowing.
The Pony Bar Facebook
In Montana, even the ghost towns have bars.
Walking through downtown Pony feels pretty amazing.
Flickred! / Flickr
There are quite a few beautiful old Victorian-style homes that people still live in.
Pony also happens to be surrounded by some stunning natural scenery.
Flickred! / Flickr
The Tobacco Root Mountains and rolling hills make beautiful backdrops.
And just a few miles out of town you'll find Potosi Hot Springs, mineral-rich natural springs pools in the middle of nowhere.
Potosi Hot Springs LLC Facebook
Talk about a relaxing retreat.

Have you ever been to this ghost town in Montana? Did you know the history of Pony, Montana? Montana’s ghost towns truly are fascinating places. We happen to think everyone should visit at least once!

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ghost town in Montana

Sarah | October 26, 2021

What's the most famous ghost town in Montana?

The most famous ghost town in Montana is probably Bannack. This Montana ghost town is a National Historic Landmark and the site of the state's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. This event set off an epic gold rush that caused Bannack's population to boom to over 3,000 by 1863. But as the value of gold declined, so too did Bannack's burgeoning population. Today, over 50 buildings line Main Street; their historic log and frame structures reference Montana's formative years, giving visitors an authentic Old West experience.

What are some other ghost towns in Montana?

While Bannack is a must-visit ghost town in Montana, so is Nevada City! Nevada City, Montana, shares a story all to familiar with ghost towns in the West, but with a different ending. Nevada City was destined to become yet another casualty of the Gold Rush, until an ambitious family restored it between 1945 and 1978. Today, the entire town of Nevada City is a living history museum, and it's a place that really comes alive during the summer months. Montana City is the most vivacious and wholly alive ghost town in the country, and it's a must-visit for all curious history buffs.

Are there many abandoned places about Montana?

We're going to stick with our ghost towns theme here, because really, what's more abandoned than an entire town? The Wild West is full of notorious ghost towns, but Garnet, Montana, might just be the most beautiful. A thousand people once called this Montana mining town home; folks who flocked here during the Gold Rush to seek their fortune. Despite the natural beauty of the area, however, most who came to Garnet were only interested in what was below the earth. Once the land had been tapped of its gold and precious gems, folks packed up and moved on, leaving Garnet completely abandoned by the 1940s. But this is a story with a happy ending: today, Garnet is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the country and a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about this iconic time in American history.

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