History and exercise intertwine with 'Hike Through History' events this summer in Butte

Aubrey Jaap said the featured hikes began seven years ago to educate the community about Butte's trail system while also promoting the town’s history.

“The series was almost immediately successful and has grown to encompass not only our parks and trails, but routes throughout the entire city,” said Jaap. “For people who aren't familiar with our local trails, it's a great introduction, and for those familiar, it's a great way to learn about the history of the sites around us.”

Lindsay Mulcahy, assistant director at the Archives, said the hikes have become a summer highlight for many people.

“People inquire throughout the year as to when the hikes will start and what the topics will be,” Mulcahy said.

Jaap said she considers the annual summer event one of the perks of her job. Mulcahy agrees with Jaap’s assessment.

“The hikes are a fun way to engage in Butte’s history,” said Mulcahy. “It provides people with an opportunity to learn in a new setting and provides them with a new way of looking at history.”

Jaap said a cemetery tour has been a featured hike for the past five years and will remain on the calendar.

“This year, we've expanded to leading additional hikes through Butte's Uptown and Red Light districts,” she said.

The first hike of the season will be “Butte: The City that Built a Nation,” led by Jaap and Mulcahy on July 16.

For this moderate hike designed in honor of America’s 250^th anniversary, participants should meet at 17 W. Quartz St. It will lead to some sites of Butte’s most pivotal historic events.

A complete schedule of additional hikes is listed below:

July 23, Thompson Park with Jocelyn Dodge: Hikers should meet at Sagebrush Flats as hikers then explore the Milwaukee Road and its fun and adventurous route through the park located nine miles south of Butte.

July 30, Lexington Wetlands Conservation Area with Josh Bryson — Head to the parking area off Lexington Avenue for this beginner’s hike and visit the recently completed conservation area. Hikers will take in its boardwalk, bird viewing and pollinator garden.

Aug. 6, Highland City with Dave Stratton — Explorers meet at the Highland City Campground for this moderate hike. One of the area’s historic ghost towns, Highland City was once home to an estimated 2,000 people and included a number of businesses.

Aug. 13, Red-Light District with Aubrey Jaap and Lindsay Mulcahy — Meet at the infamous Dumas Brothel at 45 E. Mercury St., to explore Butte’s historic red-light district and learn the stories about the lives, labor and legacy of the women who worked there. During the beginner hike, insights on how the district shaped Butte’s story will also be shared.

Aug. 20, Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area with Colleen Elliott — Big Butte has something for everyone — from the skills park and mountain biking to its walking trails and views. During this moderate hike, participants can experience this recreational resource while learning about the geological history of the area. Meet at the Big Butte open space entrance.

Aug. 27, Ghost Sign Tour with BT Livermore — Attendees can learn about the historic ghost signs in Butte’s warehouse district, with detailed information on the businesses and the art behind them. Participants should meet at Butte High School’s parking lot on Platinum Street for this beginner’s walk.

Sept. 3, St. Patrick’s Cemetery Tour with Aubrey Jaap and Lindsay Mulcahy: Meet at the historic cemetery at 2725 S. Montana St., for this beginner’s hike and learn about some of the people interned at the Catholic cemetery. Jaap and Mulcahy will also explain some of the symbolism behind many intricate headstones.

Each walk is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated, with proceeds going to the Friends of the Archives and the Local Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Fund.