National Register Listing

Thorn House

140 2nd St., Alberton, MT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

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.

architecture exploration settlementT houses residential buildings
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
Mineral County, located in western Montana, has a rich history that dates back to the indigenous Native American tribes that inhabited the region for thousands of years. The Salish and Kootenai tribes were the primary residents of the area before European settlement. These tribes thrived on the abundant natural resources provided by the Clark Fork River and the surrounding mountains.

European exploration began in the early 1800s when fur trappers like David Thompson ventured into the area. However, it was not until the 1860s that mineral discoveries brought a wave of settlers to the region. Gold and silver deposits were found in the mountains, leading to a brief but fervent mining boom. The town of Murray, once a thriving mining community, attracted thousands of people in search of fortune. However, as the mining boom ended, so did the prosperity of the town.

In 1914, Mineral County was officially established, named after the mining industry that had shaped its early days. The county seat, Superior, was chosen due to its central location and access to transportation routes. Timber soon became the primary industry in the area, and sawmills were established to exploit the vast forests of western Montana. These sawmills provided employment opportunities for many residents.

In the present day, while mining and timber are still important industries in Mineral County, the economy has diversified. Agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation now contribute significantly to the county's economy. Mineral County offers stunning natural beauty, including pristine lakes, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. This attracts visitors who enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. The county's historical sites, such as the Old Prison Museum in Deer Lodge, also draw history enthusiasts. Today, Mineral County continues to thrive and evolve, building upon its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the present.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mineral County, Montana.

  • 1884 - Mineral County established.
  • 1887 - Irons Creek Mining District organized.
  • 1888 - First post office established in Alberton.
  • 1890 - Superior becomes county seat.
  • 1895 - Missoula & Western Railroad reaches Superior.
  • 1907 - St. Regis becomes an important logging and milling center.
  • 1947 - St. Regis becomes an incorporated village.
  • 1959 - The Cold War results in the construction of a Minuteman Missile Launch Facility in the county.
  • 1996 - Opening of the Hiawatha Trail, a popular biking and hiking trail.
  • 2011 - Alien tunnel network conspiracy theory emerges.