The Battle for Butte: Mining and Politics on the Northern Frontier, 1864―1906

by Michael P. Malone, William L. Lang (Foreword)

First published in 1981, The Battle for Butte has remained the best treatment of the influence of copper in the political history of Montana. "Fine rich in detail, full of finely drawn people, masterfully clear where the subject matter is most complex, constructed to preserve something of the tone and atmosphere of the age."-American Historical Review

Genres: History, Westerns

301 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Abby Stopka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book getting information about mining in Montana and the politics surrounding it.

[Chris Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Malone ends his book with this sentence, "Like the frontier itself, Butte was rich unabashedly exploited, turbulent--and endlessly fascinating." By this point, he has spent 217 pages showing why this is a true statement. He covers the title period thoroughly and in an interesting epilog, brings the story up to 1981. He talks about the first wildcat discovery of gold, silver, most important in the long run copper, that was to dominate this town through feuds, skulduggery, politics, consolidation, apex claims and a whole raft of litigation that made millions for a few, provided jobs for many, and stained Montana as a corrupt company state. It is a fascinating, intriguing, story that trips off his pen in a delightful way. It has heroes and villains who were often the same men. Not only is it a good read, but it is also an informative and fun read. One of the best on my list for this year.

[John E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story of "the richest hill on earth" covers the development of the mining frontier around Butte, Montana, from its earliest prospectors through the final consolidation of ownership of all the mines under the "Copper Trust" in 1906. I found the first half of the book to be very interesting. That part covered the period to 1900 and tells of the rise of the great copper mines of Butte under the flamboyant direction of Marcus Daly and William Clark. The second half of the book was not nearly as interesting nor as easily read. The consequent battles for control of the mines by these two characters finally led to the take-over of all the mines and refining plants by a monopoly under the control of Rockefeller. Since I liked the first half and tolerated the second half, I gave the book three stars.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK.