Since the closure of local mines and sawmills in the 1980s the town's future was uncertain. The surrounding county is home to more than 24 ghost towns of former mining and timber towns. However the 1990s saw a wave of newcomers purchasing and restoring the numerous buildings in the town's historic district with the addition of sapphire hunting companies, art galleries, candy and jewelry stores.
Since the closure of local mines and sawmills in the 1980s the town's future was uncertain The surrounding county is home to more than 24 ghost towns of former mining and timber towns. However the 1990s saw a wave of newcomers purchasing and restoring the numerous buildings in the town's historic district with the additi.on of sapphire hunting companies, art galleries, candy and jewelry stores.