Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Forest Archaeologists Tammy Cherullo and Mark Sant manage the expansive areas encompassing the B-D National Forest. The landscape around Butte & Dillon hold some of the most significant historic Chinese populations of anywhere in Montana, and our hope was to discover some physical remnants of this forgotten past. The two main areas where Chinese populations congregated on the B-D National Forest was at German Gulch near Butte, and Jeff Davis Gulch near Dillon. Both areas were heavily placer mined during the 1870s through 1890s by the Chinese and Euroamericans, with German Gulch having a peak population of Chinese at nearly 200. It is not suprising then that German Gulch had perhaps one of the most significant rural Chinese communities in the state, and archaeology has shed light on this facet of history.

In the late 1980s archaeologists based out of Butte did extensive archaeological excavations at German Gulch and discovered numerous features including homes and businesses relating to the Chinese and Euroamerican occupations. Hundreds of artifacts were found including Chinese ceramics, opium pipe paraphenalia, Chinese olive pits, and even half a coconut. These artifacts told a detailed story on how these pioneers lived in the Treasure State. We are in process of creating a public display for these artifacts at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor's Office in Butte.

Some Chinese artifacts from the German Gulch Chinese Excavations

Some Chinese artifacts from the German Gulch Chinese Excavations

In the southern zone of the B-D National Forest, there were significant Chinese populations around the mining districts of Bannack and Virginia City. One of the most significant populations, and is still referenced on maps today as "Chinatown" was 5o miles southwest of Dillon, in Jeff Davis Gulch. In the 1870s Chinese miners took over worked out claims held by Euroamericans and performed heavy placering and hydraulic mining, and establishing a substantial community in the bottom of the gulch. However, during the 1890s-1910s the area went through a period of re-mining by means of dredging. The dredging removed most of the gold-bearing gravel in the bottom of the gulch, including the area of Chinatown. Today, there are few reminders of the Chinese in Jeff Davis gulch besides a road sign, and archaeological sites around the periphery of the drainage. During 2008, archaeologists discovered that a previously recorded cabin outside the dredged bottom contained what appears to be an opium can relating to the Chinese occupation. Further work including excavation might recover even more information.

china town roadsign

One of the last reminders of the Chinese miners who once worked in Jeff Davis Gulch is this road sign at its mouth.

Perhaps one of the most unique chapters in Montana Chinese history is the life of Tommy Haw. Tommy was an orphaned Chinese boy in the goldfields of California when he was adopted by the wealthy Orr family. In the 1860s the Orr family came to Montana and set up a large cattle ranch near Dillon, MT. Tommy made the trip with the family and helped with the ranch operations. By the time he was an adult, Tommy was set up in his own cattle and sheep operations and was one of the wealthiest residents of Beaverhead County. Beginning in the 1890s Tommy began investing his considerable wealth in mining ventures throughout southwest Montana. Unfortunately, Tommy was a better rancher than mining entrepreneur and his investments failed, and he died poor in 1913. During historical research we discovered that one of the mine operations he owned was located on B-D National Forest property and had never been recorded. The site consists of several log cabins and a large accumulation of historical artifacts relating to the 1890s development of this mine. Tommy's life influenced many aspects of Montana history, and this site is just one part of that story.

Portrait of Tommy Haw, ca. 1880-1890 Courtesy Beaverhead County Historical Society

Portrait of Tommy Haw, ca. 1880-1890 Courtesy Beaverhead County Historical Society

Due to Tommy's adoptive status, he is most likely the only Chinese person in Montana to have ever owned a hard rock mining claim. Territorial law in 1872 forbid any non-American citizen from owning hard rock claims, thus barring Chinese from entering that field of enterprise. The site recorded, which is named the Blue-Eyed Annie Claim, is the only new Chinese site on the B-D National Forest. However, archaeologists determined at least 3-4 other sites on this National Forest have the potential to hold Chinese materials that were not previously thought to have had such influences.