Atlantic City was a boom town from its start in 1868. It only lasted until 1878, when the ore ran out. In its heyay it hd over 2,000 residents. Today, it still has many buildings icluding a church, a store, some houses and its origanal boardwalk.
This town sprung up around the Miner's Delight Mine, founded by Jonathan Pugh. It was founded in 1867, and the boom days didn't last many years. The town went through other minor booms in the 1890's and again during the Great Depression.
Some of its famous residents were Calamity Jane and Mr. Comstock (who later found the Comstock Lode in Nevada). Today, there are many miner's cabins and buildings still standing.
In 1842, gold was discovered in Sweetwater Creek (near South Pass) and South Pass City sprung up. There were many problems with the Indians in these early settler/miner days. Many of the townsfolk ended up dead from indian attacks. Despite the difficulties, by 1870, South Pass City boasted 4,000 residents. It had enough people to eventually win the county seat. But the mines would be prosperous for so long and the population started to decline.
Today, there are many good buildings left. There is a saloon, a jail, school, a hotel a house/hospital and some other buildings.
To get to these towns, you can start in Lander. Head south on Highway 287 for about 7 miles. When it splits off, take Highway 28 southwest. Go about 14 miles to a loop road to your left. Take a left on this loop road and proceed to all three sites.
