‘Hike through History’ not for solo hikers

If you are a solo hiker, this summer’s Hike through History in Butte is not for you. But, if you enjoy the company of others and are a history buff to boot, add the featured hikes listed below to your “sunny season” calendar.

The popular Thursday event begins July 17 and concludes Sept. 4. All hikes begin at 9 a.m. and are sponsored by the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department, B-SB Parks and Recreation, and the B-SB Archives.

While enjoying the outdoors, some of the hikes include learning more about the people buried at the cemeteries of St. Patrick’s and Mount Moriah. Walk along Butte’s Upper West Side to view and learn about the area’s historic homes. Hikers can also get a close-up look at the many ghost signs.

Water and snacks will be available. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes. No pets will be allowed.

The complete list is featured below.

July 17, Maud S Canyon with the Butte Rotary Club: The East Ridge's Maud S Canyon was described by an Anaconda Standard reporter in 1906 as “one of the most desirable spots for a day’s outing." Its popularity has not waned and remains popular among residents and non-residents alike. Hikers can discover the new Mining Heritage Trail with a collapsed shaft, adit, and several small exploration sites that relate to the mining activity there. Meet at Maud S Canyon Trailhead for the moderate hike.

July 24, St. Patrick’s and Mount Moriah Cemetery Tour with Aubrey Jaap and Lindsay Mulcahy: Wander through St. Patrick’s and Mount Moriah cemeteries and learn about some of the people interned there, as well as the symbolism behind their intricate headstones. Meet at St. Patrick’s Cemetery for this beginner’s hike.

July 31, Thompson Park with Jocelyn Dodge: Hikers won’t have to go too far to get back to nature. The destination is Thompson Park, which was a gift to the city of Butte from William Boyce Thompson in memory of his father, William Thompson, a former Butte mayor. Participants of the moderate hike will explore the Milwaukee Road and its fun and adventurous route through Thompson Park. Hikers should meet at Sagebrush Flats.

Aug. 7, Ghost Sign Tour with Aubrey Jaap, Christine Martin, and BT Livermore —This trio of experts will share their knowledge on Butte’s historic ghost signs, with detailed information on the businesses and the art behind them. Participants should meet at the Butte Archives, 17 W. Quartz St., for this moderate walk.

Aug. 14, Upper West Side with Mary McCormick — Experience the upper “West Side” with its charming and one-of-a-kind houses, many with historical significance, as you navigate your way through this fascinating neighborhood. Meet near the Anselmo Mine for this moderate hike. There is parking available at Excelsior and Caledonia streets.

Aug. 21, Bell Diamond Tour with Abby Peltomaa — Head to the Granite Mountain-Speculator Memorial for this moderate hike. Learn more about Butte’s rich mining history while visiting one of the oldest standing steel headframes on the Butte Hill. The Berkeley Pit overlook will also be featured.

Aug. 28, West Side Reservoir with Kate McCourt — Water from the Big Hole pipeline flowed to the 14-million-gallon West Side Reservoir near Big Butte and from there it was sent to Centerville, the Uptown Business District, and the West Side. Learn more about this architectural resource that, according to the Anaconda Standard of 120 years ago, provided an “abundant supply of pure water.” Meet at North Excelsior Street and Missoula Avenue for this beginner’s hike.

Sept. 4, Highland City with Dave Stratton and Phyllis Hargrave — Take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit one of the area’s historic ghost towns. The town once boasted a population of about 2,000 and was home to several businesses, including a brewery. Explorers can meet at the Highland City Campground for this moderate hike.