INTRODUCTION 



Geographical Overview 



Working Circle 3, located on both sides of the Continental Divide in 

 southwestern Montana, is characterized by diverse and often spectacular 

 geological features. Alpine glaciers have left their mark on the upper ele- 

 vations, leaving deep U-shaped valleys above broad intermountain basins. 

 Several major rivers flow through the region, including the Clark Fork, the 

 Blackfoot, and two of the Three Forks of the Missouri. Lewis and Clark ex- 

 plored much of the area on their historic trip in 1805 and 1806. Their re- 

 ports inspired others to explore the area further. 



The geologic forces that uplifted and folded the existing terrain also 

 brought rich metal ores within reach. Gold was discovered in July, 1862, 

 along Grasshopper Creek in Beaverhead County, and the Montana gold rush 

 was on. Nearby Bannack became the first Territorial Capital but, in the 

 spring of 1863 rich gold deposits were found in Alder Gulch in Madison 

 County, and the Capital was soon transferred to Virginia City, leaving 

 Bannack a ghost town when the gold played out. Then, on July 14, 1864, 

 gold was discovered in Last Chance Gulch. Helena quickly became the third 

 Territorial Capital, and the State Capital when statehood was bestowed upon 

 Montana. 



Mining is still a major industry throughout Working Circle 3, but no- 

 where has it had as much impact as in Butte, the "Mining City." Other nick- 

 names, such as "The Richest Hill on Earth" and "A Mile High and a Mile 

 Deep," indicate the value of the ore and the lengths miners were willing to go 

 to get at it. The smelter at nearby Anaconda became famous when they erec- 

 ted the world's largest smokestack. 



Working Circle 3 has many interesting features which are enjoyed by lo- 

 cal residents and visitors from all over the world. Rock Creek and 

 Georgetown Lake are famous for the quality of fishing they offer; Montana's 

 first State park, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, is in Working Circle 3, 

 just up the Jefferson River from Three Forks; Red Rock Lakes National 

 Wildlife Refuge, just below the Centennial Mountains in the very southern 

 part of the state, boasts nesting pairs of trumpeter swans ( Olor buccinator ) 

 as well as other, more common wildlife. Not far from the refuge is Quake 



-1- 



