Anaconda, Montana: Named for the Copper Company, Not the Snake

Anaconda, Montana was not named after the snake. It was named for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company.

• Marcus Daly (copper magnate) bought area mines in 1880s.
• Company founded town in 1883 as company town for smelter workers.
• Name chosen to reflect corporate power—"Anaconda" evoked constricting dominance over competitors.
• Smelter stack (585 ft) became world's tallest masonry structure; operated 1902–1980.
• Town survived smelter closure; now ~9,000 residents, gateway to recreation.

The snake connection is a folk etymology. The company took the name from the snake (symbol of power); the town took the company's name.