Copper King Mansion

In the heart of the historic city of Butte stands the magnificent Copper King Mansion — a living embodiment of Gilded Age luxury. This grand 34-room home was built in the late 19th century for William Andrews Clark, one of the most powerful industrial magnates the USA has ever known.

The building's architectural style combines Victorian elegance with the strength of the Romanesque Revival. The three-story brick facade with its steep French mansard roof hides interiors that capture the imagination: hand-painted ceilings, exquisite stained glass, and finishes made of rare woods like Cuban mahogany and rosewood.

Today, this historic landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves not only as a museum but also as an exclusive guest house. Visitors can touch the atmosphere of wealth and influence that prevailed here over a century ago and learn the amazing story of a man whose fortune once rivaled that of the Rockefellers.

For more details on visiting or booking a room, you can use the following contact information:

The mansion is an active establishment, functioning as both a museum and a guest house.

The main reason to visit the Copper King Mansion is the fascinating guided tour through its halls. The walk through the house lasts about an hour, during which you will see original interiors, ornate wood carvings, and antique chandeliers. Guides tell gripping stories about the Clark family and the era when Butte was the copper mining capital of the world.

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in history, the mansion offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight in historic rooms. Operating as a bed and breakfast, the building allows guests to feel like aristocrats of the past, surrounded by antique furniture and stained glass. The stay typically includes breakfast served in the elegant formal dining room.

Additionally, you can simply admire the architectural details: examine the unique "Stairway of Nations" or look at the nine fireplaces imported from France. The mansion also frequently serves as a venue for atmospheric weddings and formal events, adding a touch of old-world grandeur to any occasion.

The Copper King Mansion is conveniently located at 219 W Granite St, Butte, MT 59701. It is situated in the historic district, right in the heart of the old city center. Thanks to this location, the building is easy to find by looking for the architectural landmarks of the historic part of town.

If you are traveling by car, it is best to use GPS navigation, as Butte's streets reflect the complex terrain of its mining history. Parking is usually available nearby. For those who prefer public transportation, local bus routes connect various parts of the city with the center.

You can also use a taxi or walk if you are staying in one of the central hotels. The walk from the city's main tourist spots takes very little time, allowing you to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of old industrial Butte along the way.

The history of this magnificent building is inextricably linked with the name of William Andrews Clark, one of the three legendary "Copper Kings." Starting his journey in 1862 with gold mining in Colorado, Clark eventually became a powerful banker and industrialist whose business spanned energy, railroads, and, of course, copper mining in Montana.

Construction of the residence took place from 1884 to 1888 and cost Clark approximately $500,000 — a colossal sum at the time. Architect D.T. McDevitt worked on the project. The mansion became the embodiment of its owner's ambitions: it featured 639 window panes, 90 doors, and nine luxury fireplaces imported directly from France.

One of the most remarkable interior elements is the "Stairway of Nations." This unique structure, adorned with intricate European carvings of birds and flowers, was so magnificent that it was exhibited at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis (often associated with the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in local lore). Despite owning property in New York and Paris, Clark always maintained a special affection for his home in Butte.

William Clark left a mark not only as a shrewd businessman but also as a generous philanthropist. He funded the construction of a church and the YMCA building, and gifted the city the Columbia Gardens amusement park, where he provided free trolley rides for children every week. Today, the mansion is owned by the Cote family, who have carefully preserved this historical heritage since 1953.

For a standard introduction to the Copper King Mansion through an organized tour, you will need approximately one hour. This is enough time to view the main halls, hear key historical facts, and appreciate the craftsmanship of the wood carvings and stained glass art.

However, if you choose to stay here as a bed and breakfast guest, your experience will be much more complete. In this case, you should count on a full evening and morning to soak in the Victorian-era atmosphere at your leisure, study the details of the antique furniture, and enjoy a slow breakfast in the formal dining room.

The Copper King Mansion is open to visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During the summer tourist season, tours are held on a fixed schedule: at 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, and 3:30. This is the best time to go inside and explore the interiors with a guide.

During the winter months, visits are primarily possible by prior appointment, although the guest house for overnight stays operates year-round. Before planning your visit, it is recommended to check the official website for the current tour schedule on your specific date.

Exploring the surroundings of the Copper King Mansion will allow you to dive deeper into the rich history of Montana's mining era. A stroll through the adjacent streets will reveal many other architectural monuments and memorials dedicated to the labor of miners.