Copper King Mansion - Butte, MT - Historic Victorian Mansion Currently Operating as a Bed and Breakfast

The Copper King Mansion is an authentic, historically-significant Victorian mansion located in the beautiful city of Butte, Montana. It was originally home to one of Montana's famous three "copper kings'', William Andrews Clark. Clark, along with his peers, is famous for contributing greatly to the development of industry in Montana as it is known today by way of his impressive ventures and success in regards to the copper business. By the year 1900, he had accumulated a staggering fortune in excess of an estimated $50,000,000 making him one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time. Building of the Copper King Mansions commenced in 1884 and finally finished in 1888, costing approximately a quarter of a million dollars in total.

Today, the Copper King Mansion is occupied, owned, and run by Montana's own Cote family and has been for the past four generations. It is the only privately owned mansion that is open to the public. It is currently not only available for scheduled or summer tours, but it is also run as a bed and breakfast for guests seeking a unique, personal, and historic overnight experience. Proceeds from the tours, the overnight guests, and the occasional hosting of catered events are the mansion's sole source of funds.

The Copper King Mansion is located smack in the middle of one of the country's most expansive historic landmark districts. It was also dubbed one of the most distinctive travel destinations in the country in 2002 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Over the years, the Cotes have taken great pains to keep the Copper King Mansion as historically accurate and close to its original state as possible. Much of the original wood workmanship and decorations are still in place with few exceptions. What was not originally a part of the house (in regards to furnishing and so forth) has been chosen for its similarity and historical accuracy, ffering visitors a look at the mansion that is very close to the way it would have been when inhabited by the famous copper king and his family.

The woodwork - including the staircase, the floors, the fireplace, and the book shelves - feature an array of nine different woods and were all hand-carved and crafted by woodworkers of the period. The original chandeliers are all also in place with only two exceptions. One of the major decorative highlights to be seen within the mansion is the stunning collection of ceiling frescos Williams commissioned from artists of the time. Each room features a completely different one and to many visitors, they are the Copper King Mansion's crowning glory.

The Copper King Mansion is also rumored by some to be haunted, adding to its appeal as a tourist destination for paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters. Although the Cotes do not personally believe this to be so, quite a few guests have reported witnessing or sensing paranormal manifestations. These include a "coldness'' or chilly entity that resides in the game room; a cheerful, playful presence in both chapel and the ballroom; and hazy fog witnessed in the basement and also the ground floor hallway.