An insignificant gold camp in 1864, Butte became a ghost town as its shallow placers played out. But a few hardy prospectors stayed on, and in the early 1870s Butte boomed again with the discovery of large deposits of silver ore. Marcus Daly came to Butte when the rich strikes of 1874 were reported. Instead of silver, he found the richest vein of copper known. The vein was 50 feet wide, and Daly became the head of one of the world’s most powerful monopolies, the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. By 1900, the Butte Hill and its huge copper deposits were known as ‘the richest hill on earth.’ In fact, at the turn of the century, Butte was one of the largest cities west of the Mississippi. Large-scale open pit mining operations were seen from an observation platform on the rim of the Berkeley Pit in Butte. Rotary drills, electric shovels and fleets of big trucks, working around the clock, six days a week, removed approximately 140,000 tons of ore and waste in each 24-hour period. The ore was dumped into a giant crusher and then was carried at a rate of about 2,000 tons per hour on a conveyor belt system which passed to a stockpile or to loading bins for shipment to the smelter at Anaconda.

After a worldwide slump in the copper market shut down mining operations in 1983, Butte citizens bounced back with a ‘can do’ attitude. Mining operations resumed in the East Pit in 1986.

Today Butte is a city in transition to a more diversified economy, including energy research, medicine, tourism, environment cleanup and, in the future, manufacturing of computer parts.

Today, Butte’s colorful history can be seen in its ethnic neighborhoods, preserved Victorian uptown business district and stately mansions. Located virtually on the Continental Divide, surrounded by mountains, the Mile High City lies on some of the world’s richest mineral reserves. Its dominant feature is the Berkeley Pit, a huge open pit copper mine that consumed portions of the town as it grew to incredible size. A viewing stand allows visitors to fully appreciate the size of this former truck-operated open pit copper mine: 7,000 feet long, 5,600 feet wide, and 1,800 feet deep.

Other interesting things to see in Butte include:

Old No. 1 Trolley, a replica of the cars used for Butte’s electric trolley system, tours historic sites in the summer months.

World Museum of Mining ‘Hell Roarin’ Gulch: 12 acres of outdoor and indoor displays take you back 100 years—fascinating for the whole family and one of Butte’s most popular attractions.

Orphan Girl Express: for a unique thrill, ride the train through the World Museum of Mining, which is built on the site of the original Orphan Girl silver and zinc mine.

Our Lady of the Rockies: take the tour bus for a close-up view of this 90-foot statue that looks down on Butte from the Continental Divide. Built entirely by volunteers, this massive work stands at 8,510 feet above sea level, and that’s quite a view!

Anselmo Mine Yard: an interpretive center brings Butte’s mining heritage to life at this National Historic Site.

Arts Chateau: a turn of the century mansion, also on the National Historic Register, features changing art exhibits, marvelous collections and elegant architecture.

Granite Mountain Mine Memorial; dedicated to the 168 men who died in a hardrock mine disaster in 1917, this memorial offers the visitor a stunning panoramic view of Butte and the nearby mountains.

The Mai Wah: in the heart of Butte’s old Chinatown, this historic building houses displays and artifacts relating the story of Chinese miners.

Mineral Museum: not just for the rock hound, this fascinating collection holds 1,500 specimens.

Copper King Mansion: designated a National Historic Place in 1971, the mansion is a monument to the wealthy lifestyle of the last century. You’ll enjoy the exquisite architectural detail and 32 rooms of antiques.

Dumas Victorian Brothel Museum: more evidence of Butte’s unique character, this museum is open for guided tours, ongoing art shows and displays.

Other interesting locations around Butte include:

Humbug Spires: just south of Butte, these 70 million year-old white granite stones rise to 600 feet high.

Sheepshead Mountain Recreation Area: about 15 miles north of Butte, this area provides an excellent outing for the whole family. The entire facility was designed and built for the handicapped.

Maney Lake: there are approximately five miles of paved trail and a fishing dock to accommodate disabled persons at this easy-to-reach park.

Boulder Hot Springs: north of Butte on I-15, a side trip takes you to Boulder. Visit this bed and breakfast resort which is listed on the National Historic Register. Drive 3 miles south of town and relax in the hot mineral water.

Elkhorn State Park: they call it ‘not quite a ghost town.’ Off Highway 69, 7 miles south of Boulder, an 11 mile drive on a county road takes you to the quiet streets that are all that remain of this 1880s boom town.

Health Mines: off I-15 north of Butte. Near the mountain communities of Basin and Boulder, abandoned mine tunnels have been opened to patrons who believe in the health benefits of radon.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include ranch vacations and activities, natural hot springs, hiking, boating, resort cabins, river floats, hunting, fishing, horseback rides, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowmobiling.

Elevation: 5,549 feet