Montana’s Forgotten History: Giant Rope Drive Wheels

Recently, I took a little road trip down to Idaho. The drive had me heading west out of Bozeman, cruising through Dillon and beyond. As usual, I was casually scanning the landscape, mentally bookmarking spots like, “That looks like a solid fishing hole,” or “I should try hiking there sometime.” You know how it goes—just soaking in the views.

Montana is full of "blink and you ’ll miss it towns," and honestly, that’s how we like it. But as I rolled through Silver Star in Madison County, there was no missing what I saw next—massive, industrial-looking wheels lined up along the road. I literally said out loud, “What the heck is that?!” (To no one. I was alone. Silence.)

Being a sucker for a good historical marker, I flipped around and had to check it out.

Let me introduce you to the Rope Drive Compressor Wheels from the Leonard Mine in Meaderville-Butte, Montana. Standing 22 feet tall and weighing in at around 20 tons each, these beasts are impossible to miss.

Originally installed around 1903, they were in service until 1964 and found their final resting spot in the 1980s. These machines ran 24/7, creating compressed air that powered underground drills and hoists on the Butte Hill—replacing the old-school steam systems.

Even cooler? These are the only ones of their kind left. You can thank Lloyd Harkins for saving them from the scrapyard when the mine shut down.

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Montana is full of hidden gems like this—unique pieces of history just waiting to be stumbled upon. Ever seen the Rope Drive Compressor Wheels for yourself? Let us know HERE!