Hecla, Montana, borrowed its name from the Hecla Consolidated Mining Company, which played a central role in its establishment. The community emerged in 1876 as mining activity increased and the company’s demands grew. Nestled at the base of Lion Mountain, Hecla primarily consisted of company buildings and operations rather than residential homes though there were miner's cabins within the vicinity. Before Hecla’s rise, early mining efforts between 1872 and 1876 led to the development of the Trapper City mining camp, but its distance from the mines made the daily commute difficult. This made Lion City and Hecla more attractive places to live due to their close proximity to the mines. The main disadvantage of living so close to the mines was the yearly avalanche dangers which took the lives of miners and their families at the base of the mountain. Hecla also had a school for miners' children from all communities. 

 

​Unlike Hecla, the neighboring mining camp of Lion City was a bustling residential hub. The two camps were so close that one could easily toss a stone from one to the other. Lion City provided essential services, including saloons, a post office, general stores, a meat market, hotels, and other necessities. Anything unavailable there could be found in the nearby smelter town of Glendale.​ After the Hecla Consolidated Mining Company ceased operations around 1900, Hecla was the only camp that remained inhabited. Many families stayed behind, continuing limited mining and hauling ore from the old dumps, keeping the spirit of the once-thriving mining town alive.