Help us preserve the Christenot Mill.
History in the Making
The mission of the Christenot Mill Preservation Association is to preserve the remains of the Christenot Mill in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the owner of the land and Mill. If you’d like to donate toward preserving the Mill, please contact us at questions@christenot.org.
An extended Christenot Family Reunion was first held in Bozeman in 1995 and one of the activities was a guided trip to the Christenot Mill. Family members were inspired from what they learned of their family history at Union City. This led to a 1997 volunteer work party of family members and friends to aid the BLM in fencing and stabilizing the mill building. As a result of this experience, the Christenot Mill Preservation Association was formed to partner with the BLM. This working partnership still continues.
On February 26, 1999, the National Register of Historic Places recognized Union City (site of the Christenot Mill) of Madison County, Montana. The National Registration plaque in front of the remains of the Mill building helps educate visitors as to the importance of this site. This is the only mill site in Alder Gulch that is listed on the National Register.
The Christenot family, along with friends of the Christenot Mill, have helped the BLM with stabilization projects at annual work parties. New windows frames and doorways are allowed to be added to help stabilize the remaining walls. These have been hewn by talented family carpenters over the years. Masonry has been added or reinforced to help with the wall strength and preservation. Wooden remains have been treated with chemical preservative, and brush and small trees are removed.
Click Christenot Mill Work Parties to learn more.
Mill Stabilization
History of the Christenot Mill
The Christenot Mill, located at the head of Spring Gulch at Union City, Montana, began operation in 1867 to process gold ore from the nearby Oro Cache mine. The citing of the Mill near the Oro Cache was sound, but operation of the Mill was short-lived. A Sheriff’s Sale was ordered for July 8, 1869. The remains of the Christenot Mill provide a window of understanding for hard rock gold mining in Alder Gulch. Researching the history of this gold mill has provided much information. Read further about the Christenot Mill here.
Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions about the Christenot Mill Preservation Association and the history of the Christenot Mill, please contact us at questions@christenot.org.