While there were gold mining efforts near Red Mountain during the 1870s, it was not until silver discoveries in 1882 that a more permanent population arrived, seeing the foundation of a town.

[4][5][6] These communities eventually consolidated until almost all residents of the area lived within Red Mountain Town, Ironton, or Guston.

[3] The communities in the Red Mountain mining district had a long-running rivalry that saw frequent brawls between residents of the neighboring towns.

William Davis attempted to found a church in Red Mountain Town, but the townsfolk rejected him.

The day following the church's opening, the business district of Red Mountain Town burned, spurring some to claim it was an act of divine intervention.