Christenot Mill Work Parties

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.

Christenot Mill Preservation Association

Christenot friends and family work to preserve the remains of the Christenot Mill in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the owner of the land and Mill. In twelve work parties, since 1997, Christenot family and friends have helped the BLM with stabilization projects. New windows frames and doorways hewn by family carpenters have been added to help stabilize the remaining walls. Masonry has been added or reinforced to help with wall strength and preservation. Any wooden remains have been treated with chemical preservative, and brush and small trees are removed. The next work party will be July of 2026.

Consider a donation to the Christenot Mill Preservation Fund to help stabilize the Christenot Mill. Donate here at Christenot Mill Preservation Association.

2024 Work Party

The 2024 Mill Work Party was on July 19-20, 2024. On Friday, July 19th, Christenot family met with the BLM Rep applied wood preservative on all wooden parts of the Mill, including window and door frames, that could be reached. Additional material was purchased with funds from the Christenot Mill Preservation Fund to ensure that all the wood was covered. On Saturday, July 20th, work continued to coat the wood parts as well as weed removal from all of the Mill within the jack fence.   

2022 Christenot Mill Work Party

The Christenot Mill Preservation Association (Christenot family and friends) worked at the Christenot Mill on on Thursday, July 21, 2022, to cut grass, clear brush, and remove dead trees in conjunction with the 10th Christenot Reunion.