1914 Knightville, Utah DPO Postmark – Historic Mining Ghost Town – Juab County
Scarce early postcard mailed from Knightville (also known as Knightsville), Utah, bearing a May 1914 postmark from this short-lived Juab County mining community.
The Knightville Post Office operated only from 1907 to 1924, giving collectors a relatively narrow 17-year window in which postal material could originate from the community.
Knightville has a particularly fascinating history. The settlement was established in the Tintic Mining District by mining entrepreneur Jesse Knight, who struck a rich ore body after experienced miners had doubted his prospects. He cheekily named his successful claim the Humbug Mine. Knight subsequently became one of Utah's prominent mining figures.
Knight then created a company mining town near his operations. Unlike the stereotypical Western mining camp, Knightville had no saloons. Knight, a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discouraged drinking and other vices and even closed his mines on Sundays. His operations became jokingly known as the “Sunday School mines.”
At its peak around 1907, Knightville reportedly had approximately 1,000 residents, along with dozens of homes, boarding houses, stores, churches, a school and its own post office.
The mines began declining after about 1915. Buildings were gradually removed—some reportedly relocated to nearby Eureka—and the post office closed in 1924. By approximately 1940, the settlement had been abandoned. Today Knightville is considered a Utah ghost town, with little remaining beyond scattered remnants and the old school foundation.
This postcard therefore dates from near the height of Knightville's brief existence, roughly a decade before its post office disappeared.
The front features an attractive early 20th-century illustration of a fashionable woman in a yellow dress and elaborate hat holding a parasol.
Good used antique condition with age-related toning, spotting, corner and edge wear, and a noticeable small loss/chip at the upper-right corner. Writing and postal markings remain present. Original green 1¢ Washington stamp attached. Please inspect scans carefully for exact condition.
Postmark: Knightville, Utah
Date: May 22, 1914 (appears)
County: Juab County
Post Office: 1907–1924
DPO: Yes
Community Status: Ghost Town
Historical Area: Tintic Mining District
Associated Industry: Mining
Era: Divided Back (1907–1915)
Type: Printed/Illustrated Postcard
Subject: Fashionable Woman / Parasol
Stamp: 1¢ George Washington
Postage Condition: Posted
Country: United States
Original: Yes
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