Nicholia - Idaho Ghost Town

NICHOLIA

NAME: Nicholia
COUNTY: Lemhi
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 4
CLIMATE: Cool winter/snow and summer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Fall, Spring, Summer.

COMMENTS: Not much left.
REMAINS: A few remnants including the kilns.

The town was established in 1885 following the construction of a two-stack smelter located at the foot of the hills. In 1889, Nicholia had a population in excess of fifteen hundred people. The Viola Mine was located high on a ridge behind the town and tramways brought the ore to the smelter. Some evidence of the old tramway can still be seen but there is very little left to indicate the smelter site. Of great interest are the charcoal kilns built to supply the smelter with fuel and are located across the valley. Sixteen kilns were originally built, but only four remain standing today. The Targhee Forest has a very interesting self-guided tour among the kilns. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

The town was established in 1885 following the construction of a two-stack smelter located at the foot of the hills. In 1889, Nicholia had a population in excess of fifteen hundred people. The Viola Mine was located high on a ridge behind the town and tramways brought the ore to the smelter. Some evidence of the old tramway can still be seen but there is very little left to indicate the smelter site. Of great interest are the charcoal kilns built to supply the smelter with fuel and are located across the valley. Sixteen kilns were originally built, but only four remain standing today. The Targhee Forest has a very interesting self-guided tour among the kilns.

Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

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