Location: Butte, Silver Bow County
On November 12, 1900, Marcus Daly, one of Montana's famed "Copper Kings," passed away, leaving behind a complex and enduring legacy. An Irish immigrant who rose from humble beginnings, Daly became a dominant force in the copper mining industry, founding the Anaconda Copper Mining Company and transforming Butte into a global industrial center. His rivalry with fellow Copper King William A. Clark shaped Montana's political and economic landscape for decades. Daly's influence extended beyond mining; he was instrumental in the development of the city of Anaconda and played a key role in the selection of Helena as the state capital. While his business practices were often controversial, Daly's impact on Montana's development is undeniable, and his story remains a central chapter in the state's industrial history.
