Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
H.J. Wackerlin Hardware Company
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
1. H.J. Wackerlin Hardware Company Marker
Inscription.
H.J. Wackerlin Hardware Company. . This structure opened in 1882 during Fort Benton’s "glory days" as Montana’s largest hardware store. T. C. Power and Hans Wackerlin operated the business. Wackerlin, a tinsmith, had come to Fort Benton in 1867 aboard the steam boat Richmond, which had been commandeered from Missouri to Montana by Quantrill’s Raiders. Affiliation with I. G. Baker in 1888 allowed Wackerlin to expand his inventory, adding shelf and builder’s hardware, queensware, glassware, and house furnishings. Wackerlin sold out to T. C. Power in 1895.
This structure opened in 1882 during Fort Benton’s "glory days" as Montana’s largest hardware store. T. C. Power and Hans Wackerlin operated the business. Wackerlin, a tinsmith, had come to Fort Benton in 1867 aboard the steam boat Richmond, which had been commandeered from Missouri to Montana by Quantrill’s Raiders. Affiliation with I. G. Baker in 1888 allowed Wackerlin to expand his inventory, adding shelf and builder’s hardware, queensware, glassware, and house furnishings. Wackerlin sold out to T. C. Power in 1895.
Erected by Montana Historical Society; Department of the Interior, National Register of Historic Places.
Location. 47° 49.147′ N, 110° 39.953′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is on Front Street near 17th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1620 Front Street, Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. T.C. Power Dry Goods Store (here, next to this marker); The Choteau House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 3, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
