Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-24

RECOGNIZING THE WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING IN BUTTE, MONTANA IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S 250TH

Trade

Context

On 2026-02-24, Representative Ryan K. Zinke (R-MT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING IN BUTTE, MONTANA IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S 250TH" in the House. The speech addressed trade policy.

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RECOGNIZING THE WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING IN BUTTE, MONTANA IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S 250TH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E158-E159] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING IN BUTTE, MONTANA IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S 250TH ______ HON. RYAN K. ZINKE of montana in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th year since our Nation's founding by recognizing the legacy of the World Museum of Mining in Butte, Montana. The World Museum of Mining has been in operation since 1956 and is one of the world's only museums that sits on a former mine. For seven decades, it has preserved and shared the remarkable story of Butte's mining heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience into the lives of the men and women who shaped the American West. The museum brings history to life with exhibits that put visitors in the shoes of miners during the late 19th and early 20th-century mining boom. This includes exploring ``Hell Roarin' Gulch,'' a replica town from the 1890s when Butte was known as the ``richest hill on earth.'' Guests can step into shops and saloons of the era before heading underground to experience the realities of a miner's daily work. [[Page E159]] On the underground tour, you descend 100 feet into the Orphan Girl Mine, a cornerstone of Butte's mining legacy. Established in 1875, the mine eventually reached 3,200 feet and produced silver, lead, and zinc that powered America's industrial rise. During the Copper Boom, Butte became the largest city between Chicago and San Francisco and one of the world's most important mining centers, representing half of all copper mined in America and a quarter of the world's copper. That copper wired cities, energized factories, and connected the Nation through telegraph and telephone lines. Decades of mining fueled the U.S. war effort in both World Wars, supplying the munitions, equipment, and power that helped secure victory from tyranny and fascism. Walking through the tunnels, it is impossible not to reflect on the generations of workers who built this backbone of industry and defense. Like the town it belongs to, the World Museum of Mining has a long and rich history. In 2024, the museum became the official home of the Montana Mining Hall of Fame, further cementing its role in honoring the industry's legacy and protecting the artifacts and structures of an area that featured nearly 10,000 miles of tunnels. Mr. Speaker, on the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is important to look back at our country's history and the people who built it. The World Museum of Mining has preserved the stories of America's biggest strength: hardworking people willing to risk everything in the pursuit of opportunity and freedom. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING IN BUTTE, MONTANA IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S 250TH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E158-E159] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING IN BUTTE, MONTANA IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S 250TH ______ HON. RYAN K. ZINKE of montana in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th year since our Nation's founding by recognizing the legacy of the World Museum of Mining in Butte, Montana. The World Museum of Mining has been in operation since 1956 and is one of the world's only museums that sits on a former mine. For seven decades, it has preserved and shared the remarkable story of Butte's mining heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience into the lives of the men and women who shaped the American West. The museum brings history to life with exhibits that put visitors in the shoes of miners during the late 19th and early 20th-century mining boom. This includes exploring ``Hell Roarin' Gulch,'' a replica town from the 1890s when Butte was known as the ``richest hill on earth.'' Guests can step into shops and saloons of the era before heading underground to experience the realities of a miner's daily work. [[Page E159]] On the underground tour, you descend 100 feet into the Orphan Girl Mine, a cornerstone of Butte's mining legacy. Established in 1875, the mine eventually reached 3,200 feet and produced silver, lead, and zinc that powered America's industrial rise. During the Copper Boom, Butte became the largest city between Chicago and San Francisco and one of the world's most important mining centers, representing half of all copper mined in America and a quarter of the world's copper. That copper wired cities, energized factories, and connected the Nation through telegraph and telephone lines. Decades of mining fueled the U.S. war effort in both World Wars, supplying the munitions, equipment, and power that helped secure victory from tyranny and fascism. Walking through the tunnels, it is impossible not to reflect on the generations of workers who built this backbone of industry and defense. Like the town it belongs to, the World Museum of Mining has a long and rich history. In 2024, the museum became the official home of the Montana Mining Hall of Fame, further cementing its role in honoring the industry's legacy and protecting the artifacts and structures of an area that featured nearly 10,000 miles of tunnels. Mr. Speaker, on the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is important to look back at our country's history and the people who built it. The World Museum of Mining has preserved the stories of America's biggest strength: hardworking people willing to risk everything in the pursuit of opportunity and freedom. ____________________