National Register of Historic Places listings in Deer Lodge County, Montana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Deer Lodge County, Montana, there's a special list of these places! It's called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, areas, and objects that tell us about the past.
All the places on this list in Deer Lodge County are found in the city of Anaconda, Montana. This means Anaconda is full of amazing historical treasures! There are 34 different places and areas in the county that are on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is like being extra, extra important!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's like a hall of fame for buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its special value. It also helps protect it from being changed or torn down without careful thought.
Historic Places in Anaconda
Many of the historic spots in Deer Lodge County are right in Anaconda. Let's explore some of them!
Anaconda Smelter Stack
One of the most famous landmarks is the Anaconda Copper Mining Company Smoke Stack. It's a giant chimney that used to be part of a big copper smelter. It was built to carry smoke and fumes high into the air. This stack is one of the tallest brick structures in the world! It's a huge reminder of Montana's mining history.
Anaconda Commercial Historic District
Imagine walking through an old town center where the buildings look just like they did a long time ago. That's what the Anaconda Commercial Historic District is like! It includes many of the old shops and businesses in downtown Anaconda. These buildings show us what life was like when Anaconda was a busy mining town.
Butte-Anaconda Historic District
This is a really big historic area that includes most of Anaconda and the nearby city of Butte, Montana. It's recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its huge importance to the history of copper mining and industry in the United States. It tells the story of how these towns grew because of mining.
Hearst Free Library
The Hearst Free Library is a beautiful old building that has been a place for learning and reading for many years. It was built with money from a famous family, the Hearst family. Libraries like this were very important for communities, offering books and knowledge to everyone.
Washoe Theater
Do you love movies? The Washoe Theater is a fantastic old movie palace! It's known for its amazing Art Deco style, which was a popular design in the 1920s and 1930s. Going to a movie here would have been a very special event, and it still is today!
Deer Lodge County Courthouse
The Deer Lodge County Courthouse is where a lot of important government work happens. Courthouses are often grand buildings because they represent justice and community. This one has been a central part of Anaconda for a long time.
Club Moderne
The Club Moderne was another building with a cool Art Deco design. It was a popular spot for people to gather. Sadly, it was badly damaged by a fire in 2016, but it remains a part of the county's historic record.
Other Interesting Places
Many other buildings and areas in Anaconda are also on the National Register. These include:
- Alpine Apartments: An old apartment building.
- Anaconda Saddle Club: A place related to horse riding and community events.
- Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall: A hall used by a group with Irish roots.
- Barich Block: Another historic building in the commercial area.
- Branscombe Automobile Machine Shop: An old shop where cars were fixed.
- Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway Historic District: This covers the old railway line that connected Butte and Anaconda, important for moving goods and people.
- City Hall: Where the city government of Anaconda operates.
- James V. Collins House: A historic home.
- Davidson Building: Another important building in the downtown area.
- Theodore Eck House: A historic home.
- John Furst House: Another historic home.
- Glover Cabin: A cabin located in Washoe Park.
- Goosetown Historic District: A historic neighborhood.
- Granite Apartments: Another old apartment building.
- Lorraine Apartments: Yet another historic apartment building.
- Duncan Matheson House: A historic home.
- Methodist Episcopal Church of Anaconda: An old church building.
- Morel Bridge: A historic bridge.
- The New Brunswick House: A historic building.
- Sheehan Boardinghouse: An old boarding house where people used to rent rooms.
- St. Mark's Episcopal Church: Another historic church.
- US Post Office-Anaconda Main: The main post office building.
- George Waddell House: A historic home.
- West Side Historic District: Another historic neighborhood.
- Zion Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church: A church with Swedish heritage.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This usually happens if the building changes too much or is torn down. In Deer Lodge County, two places were once on the list but are not anymore:
- Marcus Daly Hotel: This hotel was delisted because its top two floors were removed, changing its original look.
- Durston Block and Annex: This building was also removed from the list.
These historic places help us remember the past and understand how Anaconda and Deer Lodge County grew and changed over time. They are important parts of Montana's story!
Images for kids
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The Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall
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The Barich Block
 | George Robert Carruthers |
 | Patricia Bath |
 | Jan Ernst Matzeliger |
 | Alexander Miles |
