Hamilton in Ravalli County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

City Hall

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

1. City Hall Marker

Inscription. Town halls originated in twelfth-century Italy, where bells were rung to call public assemblies. Missoula architect A. J. Gibson’s city hall design references this history. Allusions to Italy include such Italian Renaissance features as a low-pitched hipped roof, wide eaves, an arch above the front door, and a symmetrical façade. The prominent bell tower, common to American town halls, symbolizes the significance of democratic assembly. The building was designed in 1906 to house city offices, the fire department, and the public library. Originally, two sets of large bay doors, used for horse-drawn fire wagons, flanked the front entrance. Small communities frequently combined city services under one roof, but multiple use was not always ideal. Hamilton library patrons, for example, sometimes complained about the smell of horses. The library moved to a new facility in 1914, and in 1940 Hamilton remodeled the city hall/fire station, adding a truck bay to the building’s south side. While city offices moved to South Second Street in 1990, the fire department continues to operate from its original home.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 14.76′ N, 114° 9.528′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Montana, in Ravalli County. It is at the intersection of South 3rd Street and State Steet, on the right when traveling south on South 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 119 South 3rd Street, Hamilton MT 59840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana,

in Glacier Country,

and in Greater Missoula.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker,

City Hall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

2. City Hall and Marker

The marker is at the left corner of the building.

measured as the crow flies: Carnegie Library (within shouting distance of this marker); 337 West Main (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Telephone Exchange (about 400 feet away); United States Post Office (about 400 feet away); Hamilton Commercial Historic District (about 400 feet away); First National Bank (about 400 feet away); Ravalli County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Daly Mansion (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

3. City Hall

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

4. City Hall

The City Hall is now a fire station.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 245 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 20, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.