Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Grand Union Hotel

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

1. Grand Union Hotel Marker

Inscription.
Opened to the public Nov. 1, 1882 the Grand Union Hotel was Fort Benton's pride, a haven of relaxation in a boisterous frontier town at the head of navigation on the Missouri. Total cost of the finest hostelry between Seattle and the Twin Cities was $200,000. The name echoes the reconciliation following the great Civil War in which many guests participated, wearing blue or gray.

Steamboats blew for their landings and great cattle herds crossed the Missouri within sight and sound of its patrons. Army officers, Canadian Mounties, miners, trappers, freighters, river captains, stockmen, missionaries, Indian agents and road agents rubbed shoulders in the Grand Union's lobby, supped in its spacious dining room and adjourned to its well-stocked bar for the relaxation due a frontiersman at a weary journey'd end.

Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is November 1, 1882.

Location. 47° 48.992′ N, 110° 40.078′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is at the intersection of Front Street and 14th Street on Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1311 Front Street, Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Benton Levee (a few steps from this marker); Shep's Vigil (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Grand Union Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Stockmen's National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Northern Montana (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Benton Engine House (about 300 feet away); First Fire Engine House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.

More about this marker. This marker is located in Fort Benton's Levee Park.

Grand Union Hotel Marker, inverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

2. Grand Union Hotel Marker, inverse

(bottom right) Grand Union Bar, 1890

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

3. Grand Union Hotel Marker

Grand Union Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

4. Grand Union Hotel

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

5. Grand Union Hotel

Grand Union Hotel, circa 1930s image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer

6. Grand Union Hotel, circa 1930s

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 1, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.