If you've spent time in Butte or driven through Silver Bow County, you've certainly seen the massive white statue overlooking the city. Perhaps you've been comforted by the seemingly maternal figure looking out for you, or maybe you just wondered why it's there. Its backstory is actually quite beautiful. Our Lady of the Rockies is the third tallest statue in the United States, and it's elevated - towering 3,500 feet above town. It's visible day and night, and the people of Butte love that it's here. Here's the story behind this unique Montana landmark.
Our Lady of the Rockies was built in the likeness of Mary, who the Bible lists as the mother of Jesus.
The statue sits at the top of the Continental Divide, peering out over the city of Butte.
Our Lady of the Rockies was originally built by Butte resident Bob O'Bill in 1979.
O'Bill built the Butte, Montana Mary statue for his beloved wife after she recovered from cancer. When she was diagnosed, he vowed to build it if she survived. Thankfully, she did.
The statue was largely constructed using donations of money, materials, and labor from the local community.
It was a true labor of love. The design was even engineered by retired engineer for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company who donated his skills to the venture. The land for the site was donated by Guy Ossello.
By the end of 1985, the statue was finished and was soon placed at the top of the Continental Divide.
There was some opposition to the statue, both from religious folks and secular locals. They protested on the grounds of separation of church and state. In the end, the statue was given the go-ahead.
Today, Our Lady of the Rockies is dedicated to all women, regardless of religious beliefs.
Our Lady of the Rockies Gift Shop in Butte offers tours in the summer. In addition to the statue itself, visitors can explore an observatory / chapel and visit the Memorial Wall, where over 15,000 names of women who are no longer with us are etched in remembrance.
Butte is well-known for its attitude of hard work and perseverance, and this statue's story represents the area well.
This lady certainly has some of the best views in all of Montana.
Were you aware of the history of Our Lady of the Rockies Butte statue? Does it change how you view the statue? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Then, check out our previous article for another unique statue in Montana!
While you are spending time in Butte, make sure you hit some of the best hiking trails in the area, too. Two of our favorites include the Blacktail Canyon Loop and the Jon's Loop Trail. Our go-to resource for trail maps is AllTrails+.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/montana/old-shep-memorial-mt/
Montana has some amazing views to appreciate and enjoy. Here are some of our favorites in the Glacier National Park area:
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