The unfortunately named Big Dick Mine is on an unnamed stream draining into the Blackfoot River above Elliston, Montana. This district was generally known as the Elliston Mining District, and saw most of its activity from around 1900-1930. The largest nearby mines were the Monarch, Julia, Charter Oak, Lily, and Ontario.
There is not a whole lot of published history on the mine, but the following is what was readily available. It appears that the mine was most successful from 1906 to 1910 when it was a constant producer of concentrates to the East Helena Smelter. During a two month period in 1927 the mine produced roughly 2500 oz of gold, presumably from miners high-grading out the remaining workings. The last recorded production was in 1927, but based on the remnants at the site it was likely active later than that. A state publication lists total production of around $500,000, but this is much higher than the values reported by the individual sources.
The camp below the mine is remarkably intact. The Forest Service has set up fences around some of the buildings, but appears to have done little to actively preserve them. The mill is the most notable feature of the camp. It has an elaborate stone foundation and is overall in decent shape.
Roll crusher
