As early as the 1850's mining was begun in this remote area of the Big Bend. By the late 1890's two rough dirt roads were built...one from Marathon to Boquillas, Mexico and another from Alpine to the Terlingua area. 1898 saw a "boom" in mining interests with companys and claims named "Orient", "Admiral Dewey", "Zig Zag" and others even more fanciful. Many died as quickly as they were born in this harsh, unforgiving environment.

Study Butte (pronounced stoo-dee beaut) was named for W. L. Study who staked his claim in 1902. Just east of the mountain you see in the background of the picture above was the location of The Study Butte Mine which gave the butte its name. By the first month of production Will Study was pulling out high grade ore with his 'shoe string' operation and by 1903 the property was valued at a whopping $6,000. He sold this claim in late 1903 to The Big Bend Cinnabar Mining Company. The Study Butte Mine remained in production until 1920, when the costs and compitetion from abroad forced the company to cease operations.

I have not located an exact date for the opening of the store itself, but it is certain that it began as a small company store for the miners and their families. The next nearest outposts for provisions would have been the Chisos Mining Company store in Terlingua and the Castolon store near Santa Elena.