In the 1960s, the American Smelting and Refining Company was preparing to develop an open pit molybdenum mine on the North Side of Castle Peak. The remnants of the company’s extensive mining camp are still standing below the peak. There is a good summary of the dispute on the Boulder White Clouds Council’s website: The Battle for Castle Peak. This battle is briefly mentioned on Page 22 of the book.

Cecil Andrus

The battle to save the White Clouds was heated and decisive. Cecil Andrus opposed the mine and, in part, won the race for Governor as a result of his stance. Once the mine was stopped, the next battle (creation of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area) took place in Washington, D.C. Idaho Senator Frank Church led the battle in Congress.

This history is extensively covered in many places. I will add a few historical tidbits as I come across them.

This photo was part of an Idaho State Journal article published on July 7, 1969.