National Miners Day in Butte, America

You need not explain the importance or the local relevance of mining to anybody in Butte, America.  We proudly call our hometown The Mining City and the historical headframes that dot the skyline will affirm our claims and if that doesn't, we will present to you the Berkeley Pit.  Mining and it's history run through our veins as much as do the scars of mining tattoo our landscape.  And mining in Butte continues today.

In 2009, Congress proclaimed December 6 of each year to be observed as National Miners Day.  The date was chosen in commemoration of the coal mining disaster that took place on December 6, 1907 in Monogah, West Virginia and resulted in the death of 362 miners.  While this horrible day goes down in American history as the deadliest mining disaster, it is a day here in Butte that we observe not only out of respect for the thousands who lost their lives in Butte mining operations and those who are working hard today, but also to recognize the advances society has made as a result of mining,

One of the best examples of our living mining history is the World Museum of Mining.  Not only is it built adjacent to an actual former working mine, the Orphan Girl, but it is the only place in the nation where visitors can actually go into the mine itself.  The collection of historical equipment and photos on display will take you back in time and if that doesn't work, the Hell Roarin' Gulch ghost town will literally put you right there.  A Miners Day fundraising event for the World Museum of Mining will be taking place tonight at the Elks Lodge and tickets are still available.