Did you know at one time Butte, Montana was the largest city between Chicago and San Francisco? Most would consider Butte a pretty small town with a population topping out at 33,500, but its story is sweeping and worth knowing a bit more. From being the site of one of the world’s most productive copper mines to being the home to one of the nation’s largest Superfund sites, the 718 square mile city’s history is checkered but looking up. CBS sent Luke Burbank reports on how the town’s past is informing its march forward.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....