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Featured Adventure Site

The Mackay Mine Hill District: Bringing Idaho's Mining Past to Life

 

So you want to know more of the story. Well this is the place to find an in-depth historic overview of the Mackay Mine Hill and the Big Lost River Valley.

Check out historic and scenic photo galleries and take a closer look at the stabilization and restoration of the tram tower system and railroad trestle.  

Enjoy!

 


Historic Overview of the Mackay Mine Hill

Several papers that expand on the history of the Mackay Mine Hill have been written by Earl Lockie, Chairman of the White Knob Historical Preservation Committee.

Before Mackay, "Houston"

A Brief History of Mackay

The Mining Town of White Knob

Early Boom Town "Cliff City"

The Little Engine That Could, the "Shay"

The Smelter Site

The Headhouse and Aerial Tramway

The Cossack Level and Compressor Building

A Review of Mackay's Mining History, "The White Knob Story"


BLM Projects on the Mine Hill

Mackay Mine Hill Interpretive Signs
BLM, Forest Service, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, local communities and the White Knob Historical Preservation Committee worked together to design, fabricate and install interpretive signs throughout the Mine Hill area.  This work was accomplished using BLM Challenge Cost-Share funding, matched by contributions from the White Knob Historical Preservation Committee and the South Custer Historical Society.


Railroad Trestle Restoration
Using original and new structural members, the historic Shay trestle was reconstructed in 2002 following the original design and using similar construction materials.


Tram Tower Stabilization Project

In 2004 and 2005, the ten tram towers on BLM lands were stabilized and restored. This is an
in-depth look at the restoration process.


Volunteer Projects on the Mine Hill
The numerous successes of the ongoing Mine Hill project are due primarily to the active interest and participation of the citizens of Mackay and a cadre of historic mining enthusiasts from across the United States. Working with BLM archaeologists volunteers have undertaken many documentation and stabilization efforts on the historic Mine Hill.

 

Photo Galleries

Historic Railroad Photos from the Mine Hill
The railroad played a major role in the development of Mackay and the Mine Hill and provides us with a wealth of historic photos.

Scenic Photos from the Mackay Area
In addition to the Mine Hill the Mackay area offers some of Idaho's most amazing rugged and scenic country.

Historic Photos from the Mine Hill
Take a look at the Mine Hill's past.

 

White Knob Historical Preservation Committee

In 1999 the Salmon-Challis National Forest (NF), the Challis Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the local community joined forces to form the White Knob Historic Preservation Committee.  Highlights of this partnership include recording, protecting, and interpreting historic mining sites and features on both private and federal land, and establishing a better overall working relationship between the local community, the BLM, and the USDA Forest Service.

In 2003, the White Knob Project was a recipient of Preservation Idaho's Orchid Award for Cultural Heritage Preservation. This award recognizes educational programs and projects that have made a positive impact toward the preservation of cultural heritage and open spaces, as well as the restoration and rehabilitation of historic landmarks and roadside architecture.

For more information about the White Knob Historical Preservation Committee contact
Carol Hearne at the BLM's Challis Field Office.
  

White Knob Preservation Committee Members

Presentation on the Formation of the WKHPC

Charter of the White Knob Historical Preservation Committee

White Knob Historical Preservation Committee Master Project Plan
The Master Project Plan describes the activities in progress, planned, and under consideration by the Committee.

 

 


This page was created by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Cultural and Fossil Resources, Recreation, and Environmental Education Groups, 1849 C Street, Room 406-LS, Washington, DC 20240. Send comments or questions relating to accessibilty of documents to NI_Webteam@blm.gov

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