National Register Listing

Morel Bridge

a.k.a. Rainbow Bridge; 24DL411

25200 East Side Rd., Anaconda, MT
Local significance of the structure:
Social History; Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

social history engineering transportation bridges
Audiobooks about the history of Montana.
Butte, Montana, was once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the United States due to its rich deposits of copper, silver, and gold. It was known as "the richest hill on earth" and attracted miners from all over the world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Montana random facts
Deer Lodge County, Montana, is rich in history and has played a significant role in the development of the American West. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Salish and Pend d'Oreille, the area became a focal point for European explorers and fur traders in the early 19th century. The Lewis and Clark Expedition ventured through the region in 1805, followed by fur trappers and traders who established rendezvous points along the Clark Fork River.

The establishment of the Deer Lodge Valley in the mid-1800s brought an influx of settlers seeking to capitalize on the region's natural resources. The discovery of gold in nearby Grasshopper Creek in 1862 led to a gold rush, attracting thousands of prospectors to the area. This prompted the creation of the town of Deer Lodge, which quickly grew as a hub for mining operations and commerce.

With the arrival of the railroad in 1880, Deer Lodge County experienced further growth and prosperity. The town served as a major shipping center for goods and mineral resources, and it became notorious for its saloons and gambling establishments. However, as the mining industry declined in the early 20th century, Deer Lodge shifted its focus towards other economic activities such as agriculture, ranching, and timber.

Throughout its history, Deer Lodge County has also been notable for its role in the development of the criminal justice system in Montana. The Montana State Prison, built in the late 19th century, became known as a maximum-security facility. It housed notorious outlaws such as the "Wild Bunch" members Harry Longabaugh (the Sundance Kid) and Butch Cassidy. Today, Deer Lodge County continues to preserve its rich history through various museums and historical sites, attracting visitors interested in exploring its past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Deer Lodge County, Montana.

  • 1864: Deer Lodge County established as one of nine original counties in Montana Territory
  • 1872: Montana Territorial Prison opens in Deer Lodge
  • 1881: Anaconda Copper Mining Company begins operations in the county
  • 1884: Deer Lodge becomes the first state capital of Montana
  • 1885: Capital moved from Deer Lodge to Helena
  • 1887: Old Montana Prison, now a museum, is built in Deer Lodge
  • 1901: The Anaconda company smelter in Anaconda is built
  • 1973: Anaconda smelter closed due to environmental concerns
  • 2007: Old Montana Prison receives National Historic Landmark status