Smith Mine Disaster Historical Marker

The Smith Mine is the site of the worst underground coal mine disaster in Montana history. the decaying buildings across the coulee are a memorial to the 74 men who died in the mine on the morning of February 27, 1943. There is a highway plaque near the mouth of the mine, which was never reopened, and there are memorials in the cemeteries in Bearcreek and nearby Red Lodge.