As a supply depot for mining towns, Austin’s longevity depended on the existence of mining towns that it served. As the mining towns began to disappear, Austin began its decline. The town’s population at its height was around 500 and had offices for doctors, lawyers and other professionals. It had three sawmills with all the business they could handle turning out lumber for flourishing mining towns. The hotel and stagecoach way-station was owned and operated by a Mr. and Mrs. Minot Austin giving the then growing community its name. The station was used as a hotel for hunters as late as the early 1930s but by the end of World War II, the population had dwindled to about 50 souls. SUBMITTED BY: Henry Chenoweth