Anaconda, Montana
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Anaconda, county seat of Anaconda City/Deer Lodge County, is located in mountainous southwestern Montana. The Continental Divide passes within 8 miles (13 km) of the community with the local Pintler Mountain range reaching 10,379 feet (3,164 m). According to the 2004 US Census the population is 9,088, with a per capita personal income of $21,163 and a Median household income of $26,305. It is the ninth biggest city in Montana. Anaconda covers an area of three square miles (8 km²) and is 5,335 feet (1,626 m) above sea level. It is surrounded by the communities of Opportunity and West Valley.
The county area is 741 square miles (1,919 km²), characterized by densely timbered forestlands, lakes, mountains and recreation grounds. The county has common borders with Beaverhead, Butte-Silver Bow, Granite, Jefferson and Powell counties.
The town of Anaconda is the originating location of the Anaconda Company which began its mining venture in 1884, and the supporting community was named after the company. After a century of copper smelting from the Anaconda Company, the "big stack" closed its operations in 1980. Since an operation for environmental cleanup was put into place by the Environmental Protection Agency and executed with the assistance of ARCO. The multi-million dollar cleanup and investment has resulted in the formation of "Old Works" Golf Course, a championship 18 hole Jack Nicklaus signature design.
See also: Anaconda Smelter Stack
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[edit] Statistics
- Elevation: 5335 ft (1,626 m)
- Average annual rainfall: 14 inches (356 mm)
- Average length of growing season: 114 days
- Average annual snowfall: 6.0 inches (15 cm)
- Average annual temperature: 43.0 °F (6.1 °C)
[edit] Local Events
Oktoberfest - Organized by the Copper Village Art Museum, Oktoberfest is held every year at the beginning of October. Activities include Art, Arts & Crafts, Children's Activities, Farmers Market, German Food, Art Show, Food & Drink, Museum and Music.
Art in the Park - Also organized by the Copper Village Art Museum, this event is held in July every year. It includes art, festivities, and is one of the largest community gatherings in Anaconda.
Wayne Estes Basketball Tournament - The Wayne Estes tournaments are held every year typically at the end of March. Visit the Wayne Estes Website for more information
[edit] Recreation
Hunting - Many local establishments can provide hunting licenses for in-state and out of state hunters. There are hundreds of miles of hunting available to the public in the area. With permit, hunting is permitted for fowl, bear, mountain lion, elk, deer and moose, however only deer and elk hunting is allowed without application to the state hunting license draw.
Fishing - With the exception of many mountain lakes and streams, primary fishing spots include Silver Lake, Georgetown Lake, Echo Lake, and Warm Springs Creek.
Golf - The Old Works Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. The course provides affordable greens fees, professional private instruction, and an excellent course that is accommodating to the learning enthusiast or the golf professional.
Skiing - With plentiful trails for cross country skiers, and the Discovery Ski Area for downhill skiers Anaconda is an excellent place for the skiing enthusiast. The Discovery Ski Area also grooms 5km of cross country ski trails. Discovery ski area boasts 15 downhill double black diamond trails.
Museums - The Copper Village Museum and Arts Center provides visitors and residents with art and history of the local area.
[edit] Notable People from Anaconda
- John H. Collins-Classical scholar.
- Lester Thurow - Economist
- Raymond Hunthausen - Archbishop of Seattle
- Nancy Keenan - Politician, NARAL president
- Wayne Estes - College basketball star
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Comprehensive Online History
- Chamber of Commerce
- Old Works Golf Course
- Discovery Ski Area
- Copper Village Museum
- Montana Hunting Regulations
- EPA Superfund Case Study
- Anaconda photos and information at Western Mining History
- Copper Village Museum and Arts Center - Anaconda, Montana
