Copper King Mansion | Butte

The Copper King Mansion is a historic house museum located in Butte, Montana, USA.

This Victorian-era mansion was the residence of William Andrews, a prominent figure in Butte's copper mining industry.

Visual Characteristics

The mansion is a three-story structure constructed primarily of red brick and sandstone. It features a complex roofline with multiple gables and dormer windows. Architectural elements include a prominent wrap-around porch with turned columns, decorative cornices, and a central tower. The exterior colors are predominantly the natural tones of the brick and sandstone, with white trim detailing around windows and eaves.

Location & Access Logistics

The Copper King Mansion is situated at 319 West Granite Street in Butte, Montana. It is approximately 0.8km west of the Butte Civic Center. Limited street parking is available on West Granite Street and surrounding residential roads. Public transport options are not directly available to the mansion; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle or taxi.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Copper King Mansion began in 1884 and was completed in 1888. It was designed by architect George H. Shanley for William Andrews, who was a partner in the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. The mansion served as a private residence and a symbol of the wealth generated by Butte's mining operations.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours of the mansion's interior are offered, detailing the history of the Andrews family and the architecture of the period. Visitors can observe original furnishings and decorative elements. Photography is permitted within designated areas of the house and grounds.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restroom facilities are available for visitors within the mansion. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the property. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area. No food vendors are located on-site; dining options are available in Butte's downtown district.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for exterior photography is late afternoon, when the western light illuminates the sandstone elements. The mansion is open for tours year-round, with spring and fall offering moderate weather conditions for travel to Butte. Interior tours are subject to the operating hours posted by the museum.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is that the mansion was built using materials and labor sourced directly from Butte's burgeoning industries, reflecting the town's economic boom. It is said that the mansion's construction cost was over $100,000, a significant sum for the late 19th century.

Nearby Landmarks

• 0.5km East: Butte-Silver Bow Public Library
• 0.7km Southeast: The Mai-Kai Restaurant (historic building)
• 1.2km Northeast: Our Lady of the Rockies Statue
• 1.5km Southwest: Montana Tech of the University of Montana