Custer City Ghost Town, Custer, Idaho
Custer City is a ghost town in Custer County, Idaho, founded in 1879 as a mining town. It was named after General George Armstrong Custer. The town experienced a boom in the early 1880s when gold and silver were discovered, and its population grew to nearly 1,000. However, the mines eventually played out, and by the early 1900s, the town was mostly abandoned. Custer was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Today, it is a popular tourist destination with well-preserved buildings such as an old saloon, a jail, and several residences. Visitors can explore the old mines, the cemetery, the surrounding mountains, and the nearby Yankee Fork Gold Dredge. Custer serves as a reminder of Idaho's mining past and how quickly fortunes can change. It is part of the Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area.
The Approach
From Stanley, head north on ID-75 N towards Sunbeam. Turn left onto Yankee Fork Rd. and follow for 10 miles—Park next to the general store (44.387467, -114.696448).
Challenges
In the summer months, this area can get hot in the afternoon sun. There isn’t much shade, so plan accordingly.
Equipment
Sunscreen
Hat (optional)
Bug Spray
Good hiking shoes/boots
The History of Custer
Custer, Idaho, was established in 1877 following mineral rushes in the 1870s. The town grew after a fire destroyed the nearby town of Bonanza. Custer was founded by gold speculators in 1879 and was located below the General Custer Mill site. Custer was a one-street town that extended for about half a mile. In the 1880s, it was second in importance to nearby Bonanza. Custer reached its peak population of 600 in 1896.
The operations of the Lucky Boy and Black mines supported Custer's economy. Bonanza was originally the business and social center of the area, but fires in 1889 and 1897 caused many businesses to relocate to Custer. Custer then became the Yankee Fork area's new business and social center. Custer had a schoolhouse, jail, Miner's Union Hall, a post office, and a baseball team.
By 1903, the mines began playing out, and the town's prosperity declined. By 1910, Custer had become a ghost town. The Challis National Forest took ownership of the area in 1966, and in 1981, Custer was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town became a historic district, covering 29 acres, though only seven buildings have enough historic integrity to qualify as contributing properties.
The efforts of the Friends of Custer Museum kept the site open for public enjoyment. In 1990, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation joined the Forest Service in managing Custer, leading to the establishment of the Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area. Today, significant portions of Custer have been restored. Some of the restored buildings include the schoolhouse, a few private cabins, and the Empire Saloon. The Empire Saloon is now a gift shop. Custer is part of the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park today.
Visiting Custer
You’ll reach Custer a mile outside of town. You’ll see a sign for the town and informational signs about the area. As you drive into town, you will see a few other signs, including at least one semi-standing cabin. It may no longer be standing since it was being held together by cables tying one side of the cabin to the other. Many other buildings have only informational signs identifying their historical location.
The town of Custer is filled with informational signs, a few restored buildings, and many artifacts from Custer’s boom period. The family homes still wear some of the original wallpaper. The restored schoolhouse is full of historical significance. Bringing education to a town with more “houses of ill repute” than stores.
At one time, the town featured a Wells Fargo office, one hotel, three rooming houses, a boarding house, two restaurants, three general mercantile stores, two barber shops, a butcher shop, stables, a blacksmith shop, a carpenter shop, a furniture store, a dance hall, a newspaper called “The Prospector,” a post office, five saloons, four houses of ill repute, and a schoolhouse.
Several cabins were located in the area to serve as homes for the miners, particularly the single ones. One point of interest is the stone cabin, which is now little more than a pile of stones. It sits a bit north of town at the foot of the hillside, where several miners occupied the site during the mining years.
The blacksmith was fascinating as it displayed horse tack, saddle materials, equipment, and early automobile parts. It provides an incredible window into the renovations of that specific period—a glimpse of a moment when two worlds collided. Nearby, there is a large wooden sled with a humourous story attached to it. The owner, Sebastian Gerogetta, pulled supplies from Sunbeam in the winter using a sled. He would talk to himself like a horse. “Get along, you lazy S.O.B” and “Keep moving” were among his known quips to himself along the journey.
You’ll find many large pieces of old, rusted equipment in the open field—plows, sleds, stoves, mine carts, and more pepper the area. All the smaller and more delicate items can be found in the schoolhouse and museum. The dentist’s chair was extra fascinating. Thinking about how much we complain about going to the dentist these days, then imagine sitting in that chair, looking at those tools…I am not sure I can complain about the dentist anymore. Only later did we read about how, before the barber arrived, the blacksmith performed the dentist's duties. What a world to live in.
The general store, originally known as The Empire Saloon, offers gifts, jewelry, toys, and snacks. The homemade ice cream is delicious, and we enjoyed having something cold to snack on after walking in the warm sun for about an hour while touring the area. What a great little town, full of history, we loved it.
Summary
This is a historic experience! Visit Bonanza, the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, Custer, and Bayhorse is a near-religious experience for history buffs. The restoration of Custer has made it an incredible landmark of historical information and experiences. Down to the little details, you will find incredible stories, fun anecdotes, and bits of information that will make you laugh, ponder, and respect the brave, gritty men and women who called this area home. Seeing the graves and stories of those who never left this area is a sober reminder of just how difficult the lives of our ancestors were. I cannot recommend this trip enough. What a world these folks lived through and endured. It is humbling and fascinating—something you should experience for yourself.
