Mining
The lure of gold brought a great influx of settlers to Idaho and Montana during the early 1860s. First centered around Bannack and Virginia City, the miners quickly spread out around the territory seeking new gold fields. The early settlements were governed by mining districts, which set rules for claiming land, recorded the claims, and provided a primitive form of government. Different mining districts produced different metals depending on the geology of the area. For example, Bannack, Virginia City, and Marysville were predominantly gold; Philipsburg was predominantly silver and manganese; and Butte was predominantly copper.
Featured Collection
| Collection Title |
Catalog Number |
Description |
Link |
| Abandoned Mine Lands – Historical Narratives (DEQ) |
N/A |
These historical narratives of mining districts provide, historic context, district boundaries and histories of selected mines. |
Direct Link |
Montana Industrial Accident Board records, 1915-1971
|
RS 310 |
Consists of a financial journal, Board minutes, and two subject files concerning the Speculator and Bear Creek (Smith Mine) mine disasters. Finding aid available. Click on Catalog Record and then follow the link under Electronic Access. |
Catalog Record |
John R. Marchi papers, 1943-1957
|
SC 1971 |
Served as attorney for the Atomic Minerals Corporation (AMC), a uranium mining concern with claims in Jefferson and Silver Bow County, Montana. Papers consist primarily of correspondence concerning AMC; AMC financial records; legal documents including mining claims and leases, etc.; and miscellaneous materials regarding the Mooney and Washington mines. |
Catalog Record |
Butte, Montana richest hill on earth: 100 years of underground mining
|
A-725 |
Map showing mine locations, tunnel depths, headframes existing as of 2004 and historical ponds, streams and wetlands.
|
Catalog Record |
Explore the topic further
This guide is only an introduction to mining. To learn more, search our catalog using the search terms below or click the link for the Mining Resource List.
| Mining Company |
(specific mining company) |
| Placer/Industrial mining |
Labor Disputes
|
| (town) mining |
Mining by laws |
| Mining Districts |
Mining Resources |
| (gold, silver, copper, coal, quartz, uranium, other specific minerals) mining |
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