Cuprum - Idaho Ghost Town

CUPRUM

NAME: Cuprum
COUNTY: Adams
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 3
CLIMATE: Cool winter/snow and summer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Fall, Spring, Summer.

COMMENTS: Summer cabins in the area.
REMAINS: Some original buildings.

The Latin word for copper is Cuprum. There is nothing to indicate how and why the town received its name. However, in 1897 Cuprum received its post office, constructed a hospital for the treatment of injured miners and seemed to be off to a good start. In 1898, the town enjoyed its best year, a railroad was being built, a smelter was being erected and the mines were going strong. Things were really looking up. But what goes up must come down. And it only took a few years. The railroad never reached the mines and the excitement that once dominated the town began to wane. Soon thereafter the mines closed and people moved away. Cuprum did have a rebirth in the form of loggers and summer cabin owners in lieu of whiskered miners. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

The Latin word for copper is Cuprum. There is nothing to indicate how and why the town received its name. However, in 1897 Cuprum received its post office, constructed a hospital for the treatment of injured miners and seemed to be off to a good start. In 1898, the town enjoyed its best year, a railroad was being built, a smelter was being erected and the mines were going strong. Things were really looking up. But what goes up must come down. And it only took a few years. The railroad never reached the mines and the excitement that once dominated the town began to wane. Soon thereafter the mines closed and people moved away. Cuprum did have a rebirth in the form of loggers and summer cabin owners in lieu of whiskered miners.

Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

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