Butte is a mining town, or was one. Anaconda copper mined here for years underground.
There were many mines here and 14 of their head frames still stand today.
These mines went several thousand feet deep in some cases and with many levels and tunnels off of each. So many it is a wonder the hill has not collapsed in onto itself. In the final years they had turned to open pit mining. That old pit collects water that is loaded with toxic metals. Thus the super fund designation
The mining museum was interesting to visit. A lot of memorabilia form the areas past.
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| old armored car that carried payroll |
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| assorted drills used in mining the copper |
The historic downtown area certainly needs some sprucing up. Not sure what industry keeps the place afloat today. I probably should mention that my brother worked in a copper mine north of Tucson for many years, enough to retire when they closed the mine.
Tomorrow a tour of everything from the Copper King mansion to an historic brothel (that stayed in business into this century)
carpe diem
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