Castle dome city was founded in 1871 when the second mine opened. The area was mined until 1979 when the price of silver ore dropped. There are over 300 mines, up to 700 feet deep, in the area and the city/museum consists of about 50 buildings including a barber shop, blacksmith shop, church, saloon, post office, hotel, schoolhouse, Dentist office and a Photographers Cabin.