Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

The Buford Block

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

1. The Buford Block Marker

Inscription. Built in 1899. one can see that this imposing structure was the pride, not only of Virginia City, but also of Montana – being, according to history the largest mercantile store in the state at that time. Hardware, hay, grain, salt, and groceries were available, AND WHISKEY BY THE BARREL! Original site of the Wells Fargo Co. from which the well known Wells Fargo Coffee Shop justly derives its name. The Virginia Trading Co.

Erected by The Virginia Trading Co.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 45° 17.581′ N, 111° 56.847′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. Marker is on Wallace Street. The Buford Block marker is on the south side of Wallace Street between Main and Jackson Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia City MT 59755, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. S.L. Simpson Building (here, next to this marker); S. R. Buford & Company (here, next to this marker); Frank Prasch Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); E. L. Smith Store (a few steps from this marker); Ten Pin Alley Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First Masonic Meetings (within shouting distance of this marker); G. Goldberg Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

More about this marker. This marker is one of the original markers erected by Charles Bovey.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Buford Block

The Buford Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

2. The Buford Block

The marker is to the right of the flag.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

3. The Buford Block

The Buford Block includes the 'Wells Fargo' office.

The Buford Block (<i>iron pillar detail - next to marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2016

4. The Buford Block (iron pillar detail - next to marker)

This decorative iron pillar, located adjacent to the marker and one of four along the restaurant front, (previously the Wells Fargo Bank front), has the following detail forged into the metal:
Geo. L. Mesker & CO.
Iron Works
Evansville, Ind.

The Buford Block (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2016

5. The Buford Block (wide view)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 523 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on May 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 12, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4, 5. submitted on May 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.