Basin
A Refuge for Artists | Basin, Montana
Ten miles southeast of the Continental Divide, Basin is situated in a narrow canyon adjacent to Interstate 15. Basin Creek passes through the center of town.
Its foundation is the Boulder Batholith, a granitic intrusion formed 76 million years ago that hosts many precious minerals. It was in search of these metals, especially gold and silver prospects that brought the first white men to the canyon. Native Americans almost certainly passed through much earlier.
Basin’s beginnings date back to 1862 when placer gold was found in Cataract and Basin Creeks. By 1880, lode veins had been identified at the Eva May, Uncle Sam, Grey Eagle, Hattie Ferguson, Comet, Bullion, Hope, and Katy mines further up the canyon. Eventually to serve these new mines, in 1888, the Montana Central Railway tracks were laid to connect Basin to a smelter at Wicks, allowing for more production of gold and silver. Wicks, now a ghost town, is southwest of Helena and near Jefferson City.
In 1889, the townsite was officially platted and Basin began to boom. It expanded until it reached a population of 1,500 in 1905. Both the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern railroads reached the town by this point, and it was a lively community center complete with churches, a school, a dance pavilion, grandstand and baseball diamond.
As ore sites depleted, mining operations were slowly abandoned. Today, Earth Angel Mine and the Merry Widow Mine no longer produce gold and silver but rather provide an opportunity for radon and radioactive mine water exposure to those seeking such reputed health benefits for arthritis and other illnesses.
Abandoned mining equipment, closed or barricaded mine portals, and the ruins of a smelter and ore concentrator remain as reminders of an active mining past. Many historic buildings add to the aura of colorful times.
Basin is an unincorporated community, meaning it is not its own town but an independent settlement relying on the larger Jefferson County for law enforcement. The community does have its own small elementary school. About 200 folks call it home.
Artists, writers, musicians and poets live here year-round. Basin Creek Pottery and Gallery on Main Street, a locally owned ceramicists’ shop, is an essential stop when in the area. Until 2011, the town housed the Montana Artists Refuge. The art scene remains very active with open house artist nights held during the summer.
Outdoor recreators are also drawn to Basin for the access it provides into the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Whether camping or hiking, Basin is a good starting point.
