History of Calnan & Tracy and Irish Immigrants to Montana

History of Calnan & Tracy Families

Interview of Tim Tracy's Heritage

“In the late 1800's, my family migrated to Anaconda from Ireland. On my father's side, my great-grandfather migrated with his mother and family. His name was Timothy. He met my great-grandmother when they were both in Anaconda. My grandmother's dad, William McAndrews, is the first child born in Anaconda. He then he had numerous children, five boys and a girl, who would become my grandmother, Elizabeth McAndrews. Elizabeth married Robert Tracy and they had my father, Pat Tracy.”

“My mother's side of the family all immigrated from Ireland as well. Her grandfather settled in the Columbus area in Rapelje. They had a prominent ranch there. His last name was Whimset, and I think there may still be some Whimsets in the area. My grandmother Esther, who married my grandpa Joe Glenn. His family, also immigrated over from ireland but I don't know a lot about his family.”

Most of Tim's family were miners, welders, and iron workers. His grandpa Joe was a machinist. They mostly worked on the hill, which was the Ananconda Smelter.

Interview of Gina (Calnan) Tracy's Heritage

“My great grandfather, Joe Calnan and his wife, Mary, immigrated from Ireland in the late 1800's. They had several children one being my grandfather Tim Calnan. Tim Calnan was known as Colorful Tim. He was a local celebrity who had a radio show and was Evel Knievel's announcer at the time. Tim's brothers and sister also succeeded through Anaconda and Butte, one was a sculptor, who created a beautiful statue of John F. Kennedy at the local ice skating rink, which is now Kennedy Commons, and the artful center park in Anaconda, Montana. Tim's brother was also a mayor of the town, and many of their descendants are thriving in Anaconda and throughout several towns in Montana.”

“Tim Calnan had seven children, one who is Kevin Calnan, and is my (Gina's) father.”

“My grandmother on my dad's side was Shirley Funston, who married Tim Calnan. Her family also immigrated from Ireland. Shirley's mother, Agatha (Rooney) Funston, ran a farm in Hobson, MT, and moved to Anaconda in the mid 1900's. Shirley met Tim Calnan while in high school, and the rest is history.”

“I don’t know much about my mom's side of the family. My mom, Yvonne (Evans) Calnan's mom was Jean Johnston. Her father was a fire chief and she was an only child who ended up having seven children. Yvonne's dad was George Evans, who lived in Washington. He jumped trains and landed in Anaconda. While ice skating at the Kennedy Commons, Jean fell in love with George and they had seven kids, one being my mom Yvonne. George was an iron worker for the Anaconda Smelter.”

“Yvonne and Kevin Calnan grew up next door to each other. They fell in love while in middle school and were married after high school. They had me and my brother Tim Calnan.”

Arrival and Settlement of Irish Immigrants to Montana

Irish immigrants began coming to Montana in significant numbers in the late 1800s, drawn by the promise of work and the rugged independence of the West. Many had fled Ireland after the Great Famine (1845–1852) or left crowded eastern cities such as Boston and New York in search of better opportunities. The expansion of the mining and railroad industries made Montana an appealing destination — especially towns like Butte and Anaconda, where labor was in constant demand.

Butte: The "Most Irish City in America"

By the turn of the 20th century, Butte, Montana was one of the largest and most ethnically Irish communities in the United States. Its copper mines attracted thousands of Irish miners, many from County Cork and County Kerry, who brought with them strong traditions of hard work, faith, and community.

Life in Butte was tough and dangerous. Working underground for long hours in difficult conditions, Irish miners forged a deep sense of solidarity. This led to the rise of powerful labor movements — Butte became known as the “Gibraltar of Unionism.” Irish immigrants played key roles in forming miners’ unions and advocating for safer working conditions, fair pay, and labor rights.

Religion and culture were central to their lives. Butte’s Catholic parishes, especially St. Patrick’s Church, served as community hubs, and Irish traditions thrived through music, dance, and annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Even today, Butte hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the U.S., a lasting tribute to its Irish roots.

Anaconda: The Smelter City

Just a few miles away, Anaconda became another stronghold of Irish life in Montana. Founded in the 1880s by industrialist Marcus Daly — himself an Irish immigrant from County Cavan — the city grew around the massive Anaconda Copper Smelter, which processed ore from Butte’s mines.

Irish workers filled the smelter’s ranks, bringing with them the same labor traditions and tight-knit community spirit found in Butte. The town’s neighborhoods, churches, and social halls reflected the pride of Irish heritage. Generations of Irish families made their livelihoods in Anaconda, shaping the town’s character for more than a century.

Across Montana: Lasting Influence

While Butte and Anaconda formed the heart of Irish Montana, Irish immigrants also settled throughout the state — working on railroad construction, ranching, and homesteading. They established Catholic parishes in small towns, built schools, and often became involved in local politics.

One of Montana’s most famous Irish figures was Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish nationalist and exile who became acting governor of the Montana Territory in the 1860s. His story — from revolutionary to pioneer — symbolized the Irish spirit of resilience and leadership that would come to define the community.

Legacy

Today, the legacy of Irish immigrants endures in Montana’s names, landmarks, and traditions. From Butte’s green-lined streets every March 17th to the heritage festivals and family histories shared across the state, the Irish have left a deep and enduring mark on Montana’s cultural identity.

Their journey — from famine and exile to hope and opportunity — remains a powerful story of perseverance, faith, and community in the Big Sky Country.