The Orphan Girl Mine is one of Butte’s most iconic historic sites, dating back to 1875. While not the largest producer on the “Richest Hill on Earth,” it yielded over 7.6 million ounces of silver, lead and zinc during its lifetime and operated to a depth of over 2,700 ft. Its relative isolation from other mines earned it the name “Orphan Girl,” and it became known for its cooler working conditions, between 55 and 65 degrees, which made it a desirable place to work compared to the sweltering “hot boxes” elsewhere on the hill.
After closing in 1956, the site was transformed into the World Museum of Mining in 1965, making it one of the few museums in the world located on an actual mine yard.
Today, the Orphan Girl Mine is the centerpiece of the museum, offering visitors a rare chance to experience authentic underground mining conditions. The underground tour, which ventures 100 feet below ground, lets guests see the original shaft station, historic equipment and even one of the few exposed ore veins in North America.
“It’s an immersive experience that connects people to the grit and ingenuity of Butte’s miners,” said Jeanette Kopf, the museum’s executive director.
Thanks to a $125,000 grant from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation, the World Museum of Mining is extending the $550,000 worth of stabilization work completed on the 100-foot level of the Orphan Girl underground mine up to the 65-foot level, Kopf said.
The funding is critical for reinforcing aging structures, improving safety and ensuring that the underground tour remains accessible for generations to come, Kopf said.
“By investing in preservation,” she said, “the Town Pump Charitable Foundation has safeguarded an irreplaceable piece of history and supported educational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year.”
“The Orphan Girl Mine isn’t just a relic,” Kopf said. “It’s a living classroom. Walking through its tunnels gives visitors a rare, authentic glimpse into the lives of miners who helped shape Montana’s economy and communities. For the museum, the underground tour is one of its most popular and defining experiences. It connects people to the grit and resilience that built the region.”
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