Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Drowning of the Governor
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
1. Drowning of the Governor Marker
Thomas Francis Meagher was born in Ireland in 1823. An Irish Revolutionary, he was caught and sentenced to death. Meagher's sentence was commuted to exile in Tasmania but he escaped to the United States. As a Brigadier General, Meagher commanded the Fighting 69th during the Civil War and was the hero of the Union Army at the Battle of Antietam. He came West after the war as the secretary to the Governor, and became Acting Governor when the appointee refused to stay in Montana. Meagher had just been relieved of his position as Governor when he came to Fort Benton for one final duty - to pick up arms and ammunition for the Montana Militia. What occurred the evening of July 1, 1867 is still speculation. Did he fall overboard, was he pushed, or was he weighed down and thrown? His body was never found. Your guess is as good as anyone's!Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1867.
Location. 47° 49.15′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas Francis Meager (here, next to this marker); T.C. Power & Bro. (within shouting distance of this marker); T.C. Power Building (within shouting distance of this marker); H.J. Wackerlin Hardware Company (within shouting distance of this marker); T.C. Power Dry Goods Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Choteau House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mullan Wagon Road (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Choteau House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.
More about this marker. This marker is in Fort Benton's riverside park.
Also see . . . How Did Thomas Francis Meagher Really Die? -- Daily History. Theories have been argued as to whether Meagher committed suicide, had a tragic accident, or was murdered. Authors such as Timothy Egan advocate the murder theory while Paul R. Wylie concludes it was an accident due to Meagher’s drunken state. (Submitted on November 6, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
2. Drowning of the Governor Marker
Bust of Meagher in the foreground.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
