Butte, Montana

by Michele Kadison

When gold prospectors came to Butte in 1864 looking for gold, they stayed to mine the area, creating a school and a post office to support the growing population.  By 1867 there were 500 citizens, but when the gold became difficult to find, miners moved on and Butte’s population shrank to a mere 100.  Then in 1875 miners struck a silver line and Butte was resurrected.  The ore ran thin, but copper was discovered in profusion at the site of the silver mine, now named the Anaconda.  When Thomas Edison showed just how important copper is for the conduction of electricity, copper became highly valued and helped make the Anaconda Copper Mining Company into one of the most powerful mining monopolies in the world.

By the turn of the century Butte had become one of the largest growing cities west of the Mississippi River.  In 1983 the copper market hit a slump world-side, shutting down many of the mining operations in the area.  But they resumed in 1986 and today Butte is known not only for its copper yield, but also for its energy research, environmental technology, and more.

Touring Butte is a lesson in mining history.  Here you will see the influence of the many immigrants who flocked here to make their living.  Forming their own communities, you can feel their presence through many events where traditional customs are still practiced.

Visit Butte’s historical business district to get a sense of the Victorian influence in the local architecture.  Some of the must-sees are Copper King Mansion, which is a designated National Historic Place and stands as a testimonial to the rich lifestyle of yesteryear.  With its beautiful architectural details and its many antiques, you can revel in the opulence earned by the many prospectors who came to seek their fortune.  The Arts Chateau is another turn of the century marvel, with its wonderful art collections and exhibits.  The Mai Way, a historic building in Chinatown tells the story of Chinese miners who came to Butte, and not to be overlooked is the Dumas Victorian Brothel Museum which contributes its own important legacy to the region’s history.

Butte’s National Register of Historic Places includes the Butte/Anaconda Pacific Railway, Butte Historic District, and more.  These spectacular remnants of Butte’s history make up the Butte-Anaconda National Historic Landmark, one of the most important testimonials to Montana’s mining past.

If you want to get the full lay of the land, take the bus tour to the 90 foot high statue of Our Lady of the Rockies.  Here you will look down on Butte from the Continental Divide.  Make sure you visit Maney Lake, Elkhorn State Park, Boulder Hot Springs, and the Sheepshead Mountain Recreation Area all of which are nearby.

For another breathtaking view of Butte and its surrounding mountains you only have to go to the Granite Mountain Mine Memorial. This museum along with the Mineral Museum has many fascinating displays of specimens that make the area so geologically fascinating.

Be sure to take the family to the World Museum of Mining Hell Roarin’ Gulch, one of Butte’s most alluring attractions.  Here you’ll find over 22 acres of displays, including the Berkeley Pit, which is a fascinating glimpse into a huge open pit copper mine.

There are so many activities and guided tours to enjoy in Butte.  Whether your tastes run to enjoying natural hot springs, river floats, horseback riding, golf, skiing, fishing, ranch vacations, or resort cabin life, Butte will have something exactly for you.

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