Granite Miners Union (Granite, Mont.) Records, 1898-1901

Granite, located near Phillipsburg, Montana, was a major mining center during the 1890s and the early 1900s. In 1873 Charles McLure and his brother-in-law, Charles Clark began the first mine in Granite, the Granite Mountain Mine. Their mining operation focused on gold and silver, which proved to be abundant in the area. The mine sparked an influx of people into the area and precipitated Granite's booming economy. In 1890 the miners formed the Granite Miners Union and in January of 1891 they opened their headquarters at the Miners Union Hall. This building was built of solid granite in commemoration of the town's namesake. The miners union met two or three times a month. Many of their meetings centered on community affairs, such as hosting dances and participating in community events. Granite thrived as a mining center until 1912 when silver prices fell dramatically causing a rapid decline in jobs and overall economic hardship. The Granite Mountain Mine closed its doors soon after and forced the inhabitants of Granite to seek work elsewhere. By 1966 Granite had only one citizen and has since been completely abandoned.