Butte in Silver Bow County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Robert Emmet Literary Association
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 6, 2024
1. Robert Emmet Literary Association Marker
Inspired by the American Revolution and the United Irishmen, the Irish of America established a nationwide organization, Clan na Gaedhal, to win for Ireland the freedom to take her place among the nations of the earth. Formed in 1881 in Butte, the Robert Emmet Literary Association became one of the most active and powerful divisions of the Clan in the country.
Lying in this sacred place are 38 men who dedicated their lives to the cause of Ireland. Please pause a while, o friend, and pray for them, for it is on the sacrifices of such men that great nations are built.
When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and not until then, let my epitaph be written.
(Robert Emmet, Speech from the Dock, September 20, 1803)
Fé anáil Réabhlóid Mheiriceá agus na nÉireannach Aontaithe, chuir Gaeil Mheiriceá tus le heagraíocht náisiúnta, Clann na nGaedheal, d’fhonn a Saoirse a bhaint amach d’Éirinn go nglacfadh sí a hionad I measc tíortha eile na cruinne. In 1881 in Butte a ceapadh Cumann Liteartha Roibeárd Emmet gur tháinig in inmhe mar cheann de na craobhacha ba mhó
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Fén bhfód beannaithe seo sínthe tá 38 fear a chuir a saol díobh ar son chúis na hÉireann. Fan tamall, a chara, agus guigh ar a son, mar is ar íobairtí a leithéidí seo d’fhir a tógtar mórnáisiúin.
An tráth a bheidh a h-ionad ceart ag mo thír I measc tíortha na cruinne, scríobhtar ansan m’fheartlaoi; ná scríobhtar go dtí san.
(Óráid Roibeáird Emmet roimh a dhaordh, Meán Fomhair 20, 1803)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 45° 59.06′ N, 112° 32.454′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It can be reached from South Montana Street just south of Hobson Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The marker is near the center of Saint Patrick Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2725 South Montana Street, Butte MT 59701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 6, 2024
2. Robert Emmet Literary Association Marker & Monument
Looking northwest through Saint Patrick Cemetery from the center aisle.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mass Rock / Carraig an Aifrinn (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spanish-American War Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); Milwaukee Depot (approx. 1.1 miles away); St. Joseph's Catholic Church (approx. 1½ miles away); Socialist Hall (approx. 1½ miles away); 9-11-01 All Gave Some, Some Gave All (approx. 1½ miles away); Northern Pacific Locomotive 25 (approx. 1.6 miles away); Town Pump Trail (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.
Also see . . .
1. Robert Emmet (1778-1803) (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Robert Emmet was an Irish Republican, orator and rebel leader. Following the suppression of the United Irish uprising in 1798, he sought to organize a renewed attempt in Ireland to overthrow the British Crown and Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland, and to break the recently enforced union with Great Britain. Emmet entertained, but ultimately abandoned, hopes of immediate French assistance and of coordination with radical militants in Great Britain. In Ireland, many of the surviving veterans of '98 hesitated to lend their support, and his rising in Dublin in 1803 proved abortive. Emmet’s Proclamation of the Provisional Government to the People of Ireland, his Speech from the Dock, and his “sacrificial” end on the gallows inspired later generations of Irish republicans.(Submitted on August 20, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. The Harp Without the Crown – Butte Robert Emmet Literary Association.
Excerpt: The Butte Robert Emmet Literary Association (RELA) was established in September 1881 by forty-two Butte Irishmen to form the Emmet Associates and became the RELA Camp 90 of the Clan na Gael. The organization was established to preserve the independence of the United States, provide a detailed history of Ireland, develop relations between America and Ireland and promote the revival of Irish language, music and customs. It was an Irish American fraternal organization that supported, protected, cared for its members and provided monetary assistance to members in time of sickness or unemployment.(Submitted on August 20, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)In addition to having a powerful impact on its members and families, the RELA also had an influence in other areas. First, the RELA played an important role in the early cultural history of Butte by sponsoring events, such as parades, lectures and the New Year’s Eve Grand Ball. The RELA did not organize these events in isolation but jointly planned cultural events with other organizations in the Butte area. This inclusive planning process served to bring the community together for common celebrations.
The memory of the RELA has not been erased from Butte history. In 1903 the RELA established a Memorial statue, dedicated to deceased members, at their St. Patrick’s Cemetery plot. The Memorial is substantial and made of Massachusetts granite with the name and nativity of 38 early day RELA members. The letters RELA are found on the east side of the monument along with a harp on the south side and is a fitting remembrance of this organization.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 24 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
