Steeped in history, the Bert Mooney Airport had humble beginnings, first opened in 1927 as the Butte National Airport; the airfield was a destination airport for the West; consisting of a small hangar that would later make history.

In 1928, it was renamed the Butte Municipal Airport and then again in 1956 the airport was renamed to the Silver Bow County Airport. In 1962 a new terminal was constructed in a chalet style of architecture which was still in use when the final name change took place in 1972, honoring a local aviator, Bert Mooney.

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Mooney first started flying in Los Angeles in 1919. He came to Butte and founded Butte Aero Sales, the went on to be the chief pilot for Western Air Express (Western Airlines) and also flew the first airmail flight into Yellowstone.

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In 2018, a new terminal was constructed. The new 40,633 square foot terminal was designed to reflect the historical charm of Butte, while providing the modern necessities that travelers desire.

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Many historical figures made the trek through Butte throughout the years, and in 1927 history was made as pilot Charles Lindbergh landed the Spirit of St. Louis in Butte. 

The Bert Mooney Airport, with the help of the Montana Historical Fund, conducted a restoration to the old "Spirt of St. Louis" hangar.

The restoration included sandblasting the structure, acquiring period correct replacement steel and repainting the hangar.

The hangar is used

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The hangar is used as a community gathering space, educational area for children and adults wanting to learn about aviation, shelter for general aviation pilots, planning area for the general aviation community, and historical event area for the community.

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Other notable visitors include:

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Charles Dickinson in 1927

Teddy Roosevelt in 1936

Thomas Dewey in 1948

Harry Truman in 1956

Lyndon Johnson in 1964

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