For all travelers and RV'ers, WARNING Re: Butte, Montana

[Cat]

For all travelers and RV'ers, WARNING...WARNING...WARNING
Re: Butte, Montana

If you or someone you know is traveling or wants to travel through Montana, The City of POOR "Butte" has a new program as of July 1 2003 to bolster their failing economy by implementing STRICT traffic laws and speed traps.

It is highly recommended that you stay on the freeway to a much more beautiful location with friendlier people. If you do stop...Butte is divided into 2 basic areas...the "Old" town is far up on the hill, where the original town was built....there are still some very historical buildings there, including the mansion of the Montana "Anaconda Copper King", known as the "Smith Mansion"...worth touring through.
The second part of Butte is the newer 'town' built in the 'flat' area nearer the freeway. This happened because the "Old Town" was built on top of all the old tunnel mines..which were shored up with wood, and as the wood rotted and the mines collapsed, "SINK HOLES" would swallow up entire houses!...so, the town moved. (Apparently, the old mines under the Smith Mansion have been re-shored.. because it seems to be safe.)

It's full of old Montana mining history,,,so, stopping would only help the traveller. EXCEPTING, You will be levied a heavy fine for the slightest infraction.

P.S. A couple notes of trivia about Butte:

In the Smith Mansion up on the old part of Butte (on the hill) you can see the "Stairway of the World" ...which was dismantled and reassembled at the St. Louis World Fair (year?---1910? The one Sally Rand danced at.) So named, because artisans from all over the world carved a bais-relief of a famous scene in their own country, in about an 8-inch square above each step in the railing. It was made entirely of some precious wood like fruitwood, cherry, or such.
The other thing that was transported (train? covered wagon?) to St. Louis for the World's Fair, was the Smith Mansion's crystal collection (how did they manage to keep it safe from damage?) &---reportedly worth over $100K at THAT time.
I could go on and on about that Mansion...but go see for yourselves --- or look it up online maybe?

So watch your step going through Butte & do a friend a favor, Pleasetell them about this new road law.

[mtbob]

Please enlighten as to what new road rules you were asked to donate to? Having been to and thru Butte many times it could save to know what the latest revenue enhancing schem is.