Independence

Butte was the richest hill on earth, and its shadow is long: for decades, the Anaconda Company's copper mines set the terms for every smaller camp in Montana. Towns like Independence lived in the gaps — small gold or silver properties, coal for the smelters, railroad sidings that served the ranches in Park County County. It was a living, but a precarious one, hostage to metal prices set in London and New York. When the mines mechanized and the crews shrank, or when the Milwaukee Road went bankrupt and abandoned its Pacific extension through the state, the small places went first. Independence went with them.

The on-the-ground condition of Independence is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Independence is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.