This book investigates the rapid growth and subsequent decline of mining towns in the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Duane A. Smith, a noted historian of the American West, draws upon extensive archival research and primary source materials to detail the economic, social, and environmental factors that shaped these boomtowns. The central argument posits that while these towns experienced periods of intense prosperity fueled by mineral discoveries, their existence was inherently precarious, often leading to swift abandonment once resources were depleted or market conditions shifted.

This work is recognized for its thorough research and comprehensive overview of the American West's boomtown phenomenon. Historians and students of the period typically commend Smith's ability to synthesize complex economic and social histories into an accessible narrative. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the unique development and eventual fate of these frontier settlements, offering a balanced perspective on both their opportunities and their inherent instability.