mining

Not only is this Montana sapphire found among the Crown Jewels, it's literally the only one in North America that can claim that title!

Nope, it's not Butte. But we discovered a pile of historical facts that all originated in this other important Montana town. When the town in question was to be platted, it's founder wanted to call it "Copperopolis".

Mining is an important part of Montana's history, and it continues today with your chance to strike it rich at Gem Mountain.