Three Forks in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Sacajawea Hotel

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

1. Sacajawea Hotel Marker

Inscription. Arrival of the Milwaukee Railroad caused Three Forks to move (1908-1910) one mile up the Missouri River from its 1863 townsite, as happened with many sister towns in the developing West. Milwaukee Railroad purchasing agent John Q. Adams saw need for a hotel to serve travelers and residents, and he thriftily purchased the Madison House (built 1862) and had it moved from the “old town” on log rollers. The Madison House’s front half is the apartment wing on the northeast end of the hotel, and its rear half forms the main kitchen, a dining room, and staff rooms in the southeast wing. The 1910 construction houses the main lobby and hotel rooms. With the Milwaukee Railroad depot across the street, the Sacajawea Hotel promptly became a business and social center for the area. Only five years later, the railroad removed most of its facilities, slowing Three Forks’ growth. The formal exterior proclaims the Sacajawea as a classic pioneer town grand hotel, but its Arts and Crafts style interior is warmly informal and welcoming, as intended by Bozeman architect Fred Wilson.

Erected by Montana Historical Society; Department

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of the Interior, National Register of Historic Places.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 45° 53.721′ N, 111° 33.131′ W. Marker is in Three Forks, Montana, in Gallatin County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and South Main Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5 North Main Street, Three Forks MT 59752, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Yellowstone Country

and in Greater Bozeman.

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 walking

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

2. Sacajawea Hotel Marker

The marker is below the light globe to the left of the entrance.

distance of this marker: Thunder Horses (within shouting distance of this marker); In Patriotic Memory of Sacajawea (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacajawea (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The 442nd (about 400 feet away); Native Americans (about 500 feet away); European Interest in the Missouri (about 500 feet away); Fur Trade (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Three Forks.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

3. Sacajawea Hotel Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

4. Sacajawea Hotel Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.