Eureka Utah, Historical Mining
and Modern Day Ghost Town
Eureka
Utah was founded in 1870 when Silver and other ores
were discovered in the area. In 1910 during the
towns boom Eureka was the 9th largest
city in Utah, with a population of around 3,900
people. The mines were producing millions of
dollars in profits. One of the main mines, the Chief was owned by Walter
Fitch. A small community on the south side of Eureka
was called Fitchville as the homes were built for
Mr. Walter Fitch and his family. Several of the
mines were still producing until around 1957 when
water began to flood the mines making it more and
more expensive to retrieve the oar.
Since this time the town’s population has slowly
faded away.
In 1979 Eureka was
placed in the National Register of Historic Places to help
protect the town’s historical sites and locations for many years
to come. Today Eureka is just a shell of what it once was.
There is one little service station, one small country store
where you can get anything from bread, milk to plumbing parts and
quilts.
The Tintic Mining Museum displays historical
artifacts from the town’s early beginnings. Eureka offers only
one location for lodging,
The Tintic Goldminer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast.
The B & B occupies the former C. Fred Johnson home, one of five
Fitch mansions built between 1916 and 1920. The owners Norman
and Margaret Gillen have restored this mansion to bring visitors
modern day amenities all while maintaining the original
character and authenticity of this former C. Fred Johnson
residence. Each August Eureka holds the annual
Tintic Silver Festival. The
festival offers fun activities for the whole family and turns
this quiet little town into a bustling little city. This event
offers a parade down Main Street, many craft and food booths, a
car show and much more.
Eureka is located on
HWY 6. Many travelers drive through town heading to popular
recreational areas such as the
Little Sarah Sand Dunes. Next
time you’re traveling through this little town take some
time to look around. Walk down Main Street and view the old
historic buildings that line both sides of the street. Bring
your camera take some photos and enjoy everything this little
town has to offer, you’ll be glad you did.
