| Coolidge was founded in 1911 with the construction of the Elkhorn Mine. The mine was the hub of a large mining operation which was started by former Lieutenant Governor, William Allen. Coolidge was the terminus of a 40-mile narrow-gauge railroad, the Montana Southern, which came from Divide. This was the last narrow-gauge line built in America. Following a disastrous flood, the railroad was abandoned and torn up. While much of Coolidge has been stripped for its lumber, part of the huge mill and several of the buildings still stand. The turnoff for the town is about a half mile south of Mono Creek Campground on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Head east on the road. Bear left at the fork and continue on to a junction. Go left here and drive to the end of the road. It is approximately four miles from the highway. |
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