Welcome to Alder, Montana Alder was once a shipping point for Virginia City ore. In the early 1900s the Northern Pacific Railroad built a rail line from Whitehall to Alder to transport the dredged gold and other precious minerals from the nearby hills of the Ruby Valley. The town is home to Robber’s Roost, (an old saloon) which now sits in the yard of a private farm. It is open to the public and features an antique store and museum. Hold-up gangs used to hang out here during the early gold rush days when stagecoaches made regular runs between Bannack and Virginia City. Alder was one of the greatest gold producers of all time. The site of the largest placer gold strike in world history was discovered in May 1863 by prospectors on their way to Bannack but way laied by Indians. It produced $10,000,000 during the first year. A year later the boom town of Virginia City had a population of 10,000. People lived in makeshift tents and shacks, with every third construction a saloon. The gulch was named Alder Mining District of Fairweather in 1864, exactly one year after gold was discovered. The discoveries of Alder Gulch drew people away from Bannack, reducing the population, making Virginia City the territorial capital. Alder has a gem mine open to the public. Folks go south of town to search for garnets and other stones. View Travel Related Businesses and Events in Alder Related Links Upper Canyon Outfitters (Alder) http://www.ucomontana.com/ Nestled in the heart of the Beaverhead National Forest, we are surrounded by three mountain ranges. The Ruby River channels through the canyon and then meanders its way through our ranch. You will find each day to be a new adventure and a rewarding experience. FREE Gold West travel info - call 1-800-879-1159 or request online 1105 Main Street - Deer Lodge, MT 59722 For information on linking to Gold West Country see our Links information. If you know the name of the business or event you are looking for click below: 1 - F   |   G - L   |   M - S   |   T - Z Accommodations | Attractions | Things To Do | Events | Communities | Dining Photos & Videos | Maps | Links | Vacation Deals | Contact Us © 2005 Gold West Country and Tempest Technologies, LLC. Site designed by Tempest Technologies, LLC.