The Unbelievable True Story Lying Just Beneath Butte

BUTTE, MT - Lying just under the rugged, historic landscape of Butte, Montana is a story as rich as the mines themselves. Today, you and I are diving deep into the beating heart of Butte's incredible past, uncovering the secrets of a location known to those in Butte, but perhaps lesser known to those visiting or, heck, even those who live in Montana.

Get our free mobile app

This location transformed the mining world and, in present day, still attests to the astounding spirit of human ingenuity. Can you guess which location? Seriously, I'm surprised Hollywood hasn't made this into a movie, probably starring Liam Neeson or a younger Harrison Ford.

Get our free mobile app

Let's get into the fascinating—and sometimes absolutely bonkers—legend of the Anselmo Mine Yard in our very own Butte, Montana.

How the Anselmo Mine Yard Changed Everything

Our journey begins in the early 20th century, when Butte became the epicenter of the mining industry, which ultimately led to Butte earning its title of "The Richest Hill on Earth." Though Butte has thousands of feet of mines, there's one name that stands out: the Anselmo Mine Yard. The mine rose to fame at a time when 1000 people a year were perishing from mining by becoming the birthplace of revolutionary advancements in mining technology that would end up changing the industry forever.

Imagine yourself a miner, down in the depths of Earth, so many thousands of feet deep that—at the time—you and your coworkers had never heard of anywhere else. You know that the danger is astronomical, but you're now armed with new "jackleg" drills that make it easier to dig ores out of the rock. Plus, you get to use the first-ever electrified haul engine to get all those heavy treasures back to the surface. These technological advancements, first seen at the Anselmo Mine Yard, rectified the tenacities of hundreds of miners.

The Transformation of the Anselmo Mine Yard

Throughout the decades of mining that bustled through the mine, the Anselmo Mine Yard begins to see a slow-down, consistent with the rest of the industry at the time. Then, unprecedently, a labor-force-backed strike sweeps through the region in 1959, effectively closing down the Anselmo Mine Yard for the time being. However, after these strikes proved to be incredibly effective, and despite the mine yard being an important lead, zinc, copper, and silver mine, it never recovered, and was officially closed.

After closure, the Anselmo Mine Yard ended up becoming the last great standing, well-preserved mine in Butte. Because of this, the mine yard was transformed into an entrancing and lavish cultural center and museum, still being visited by thousands of new visitors each year.

What You'll Discover at the Anselmo Mine Yard

The transformation of the Anselmo Mine Yard, from bustling ore extractor to decked-out museum, has allowed the public to be taken in by its rich history and its even richer secrets. Visiting the mine yard today, you'll explore exhibits that showcase the genius of mining pioneers, while marveling at the machinery that powered an entire industry. You'll even get to walk in the exact footsteps of miners who ended up shaping the world around them. Perhaps you'll discover something yourself as you explore the old site.

Why the Anselmo Mine Yard Story Matters

We live in a world where history is oftentimes buried and forgotten—sometimes literally. The Anselmo Mine Yard stands as a testament to not only the power of the mining industry, but also to the hearts of our family members and ancestors who worked in these shafts, filled with an overwhelming degree of danger, and sacrificing their lives for the betterment of civilization.