Originally named Copperopolis by Marcus Daly, the copper king who founded Hamilton, it was changed to Anaconda in 1883. Despite its small size and with almost 10,000 residents, it is the ninth most populous town in Montana.
Anaconda was a smelting territory. Metals were heated to bring out the various ores. The Anaconda Smelter Stack is the tallest masonry tower still in existence. Standing almost 600 feet tall, it was built in 1918 by the Washoe Smelter Co. While the smelter no longer exists, a rallying cry from the residents saved the stack from demolition.
Georgetown Lake is a fisherman’s destination. Almost 3000 acres, it sits by the Anaconda Range. Originally created to power the local mines, it was given the Blue Ribbon fishery commendation due to its ideal environment for rainbow and brook trout migration. Lost Creek State Park offers a relaxing trail hike to its 50-foot waterfalls and panoramic views of homesteads below.
Experience the theater of a time gone by at the perfectly preserved Washoe Theatre. Visitors will enjoy modern productions in a pretty Art Deco-style building erected in 1931, the last of its design built in the country.