Anaconda Montana
Marcus Daly began construction of his Copper Smelter 26 miles west of Butte in 1883. The giant smelter would reduce the costs of smelting ores from Daly's Anaconda mine in Butte. The town of Anaconda grew up around this new smelter.
In 1891, Anaconda lost a political bid to Helena to become the new capitol of Montana. The last of the Anaconda smelters closed in 1980 putting the future of the city in doubt. Since then, the town has begun the difficult transformation to tourist destinations and has developed a world class golf course and hosts several annual festivals.
Anaconda, Montana
Settled: 1883
Current Population: 9,417
Peak Population: na
Elevation: 5,335 ft.
Primary mineral: Copper
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