Anaconda is located in southwestern Montana and is the county seat of Deer Lodge County. Anaconda was founded by Marcus Daly, one of the Copper Kings. A smelter plant was constructed on nearby Warm Springs Creek to process the ore from the Butte mines. Daly preferred the name of Copperopolis for his community but found that a mining town in Meagher County already had that name.
The Anaconda Company expanded its smelting capacity over time. In 1919 the Anaconda Smelter Stack was built. At 585 feet, it was the tallest masonry structure of its time and the smelter complex was the world’s largest nonferrous processing plant. In 1980 Atlantic Richfield Company closed the smelter. The EPA put into place an environmental cleanup with the assistance of ARCO.
Anaconda currently boasts a population of 9,328. The elevation is 5,335 feet and is surrounded by the communities of Opportunity and the West Valley. The Deer Lodge County area is 741 square miles and is made up of forests, lakes, mountains and recreational grounds.
Anaconda is quickly becoming a haven for the outdoor enthusiasts and a destination spot for tourists who enjoy the mountains and wide open spaces of Montana. Hundreds of square miles of hunting are available to the public. With a permit, you may hunt bear, mountain lion deer, moose and fowl. Lakes, springs and rivers are available for prime fishing. There are many trails for cross country skiers in the area. Discovery Ski Area provides downhill skiers of all skill levels with a wide variety of runs from beginner to double black diamond. During the summer Discovery Bike Park offers bike trails for the intermediate to advanced riders.
Anaconda boasts three golf courses within a 15 minute drive. There is The Old Works Golf Course which is a Jack Nicklaus signature course, a local country club and an 18 hole championship golf course located at Fairmont Hot Springs.
The Copper Village Museum and Arts Center provides residents and visitors with art and history of the local area.
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