Once upon a time, in the valley of Lemhi, there was a thriving community they called Gilmore, population 600 in 1910. Despite it's Siberian like weather, promoters argued Gilmore would be the next Chicago as an important trading center. All it needed was a railroad. 118 miles worth, which was built in a single year. Unfortunately, it never proved profitable. Derailments, snowstorms, and engine problems led to a variety of nicknames such as the "Grunt and Pain" and "Get out and push". Nothing could save the train. World War 1, a drop in the lead-silver market, production lines, and the introduction of trucking lines all led to the demise of this little town. In 1940, the railroad made it's last run into Lemhi county. And it backed up... all 118 miles of it, dismantling the tracks and loading them on the train as they went.
This is all that remains of this little town....
How's that for a creative Idaho History Project for a 4th grader? This post is brought to you by ABC Wednesday.
14 comments:
OBVIOUSLY a case of OVERSTATED OPTIMISM.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
A sad tale, oft repeated in the west.
Love the textures in your beautiful photos.
I didn't know that was the history, great project!
Such a sad tale...but an OUTSTANDING post. :)
How sad to see the remnats of a time that this place was full of activity. Thanks for your visit! Have a great week!
That is one neat history project. Very cool. Sad as it is clearly no Chicago, and sad how trucking actually hurt this country in so many ways. Who knew.
I've never been there, didn't even know the story. Interesting.
When ever I see buildings like that I always wonder who lived in there and where are their ancestors now? Sad how town's can change and vanish. That could be our town in twenty years, our pop. is 480 at the moment.
A wonderful project and very well done!! Bravo!!
Thanks for the lesson in history! Awesome project ;-)
O is Overcrowded
Oh so beautiful!
A Splash of Orange made my ABC this week, come and see. Thank you!
Oh so beautiful!
A Splash of Orange made my ABC this week, come and see. Thank you!
Rather sad story !
Those photos are amazing! And fun story about a little unknown city! You're awesome Kris!
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