Butte

Butte is a city in western Montana that spreads across a mountainous area in Silver Bow County. The settlement sits in the Rocky Mountains at roughly 1700 meters (5500 feet) and shows a mix of older residential districts and more recent sections.

A small mining camp from the 1860s developed within a few decades into a major center of copper extraction. The most intensive mining phase occurred in the early 20th century when thousands of workers were employed in the mines and smelters.

The name comes from a nearby hill that French trappers called Big Butte. Today the city appears as a sprawling settlement with historic brick and wooden neighborhoods where generations of mining families lived.

The city is reachable by highway from different directions and has a regional airport. Visitors planning to explore the area should pack warm clothing, as the elevation brings cooler temperatures.

A large open pit mine on the edge of town has been filling with water for decades and forms a lake with an unusual chemical composition. The site now serves as an example of industrial legacy and its long-term consequences.

Location: Silver Bow County

Inception: 1864

Elevation above the sea: 1,688 m

Shares border with: Helena

Website: https://co.silverbow.mt.us

GPS coordinates: 46.00639,-112.52972

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:02