Exit78 Photo of the Day #131
Our first trip to Bannack, a former Montana territorial Capitol, mining camp, and ghost town was in the late 70s, when we lived a few hours away in Idaho. On that trip, we camped in the very rustic campground next to the town. We’ve made our way back to Bannack at least twice since we left Idaho. Today’s two campgrounds next to the town are more modern and the ghost town is now a state park.
Hallway, Hotel Meade, Bannack State Park (ghost town and first territorial capitol), Montana, July 30, 2010 (Pentax K10D)
Hotel Mead (Spirit of the West – Montana Outdoors, July–August 2003)
The Meade Hotel is a Bannack landmark and one of the town’s most widely recognized buildings. Built in 1875 as the Beaverhead County Courthouse, it was an example of immense civic pride. Little expense was spared, and over the years much of its splendor—like the winding staircase, stately courtroom, and several big iron safes—has survived. Just a few years after the courthouse was built, however, the county seat was moved to Dillon, and the building was converted into a hotel.
Though no longer lodging guests, the hotel still attracts thousands of visitors each year. During special events, its old dining room rings to laughter and the clink of dishes as volunteers heap breakfast plates with biscuits, eggs, and ham.
(Note: I am also posting photos in a series called Photography Now & Then at Haw-Creek.com)
Series notes:
- The photos in this series are (usually) randomly selected from a batch of photos specifically “curated” for Exit78 Photo of the Day.
- Each photo in this series is an “original work” – a copyright term – of Michael Goad.
