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

Chouteau County Courthouse

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

1. Chouteau County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. Minneapolis architects Kees and Fisk drew the plans for this magnificent Queen Anne style courthouse which opened in 1884. As the seat of one of Montana's nine original counties, its grand appearance represents the early affluence of this "Chicago of the Plains." The building is constructed of soft local brick with cut granite trim and features a square clock tower. Though the clock was never added, stone inserts and pilasters provide ample adornment. Original chairs and desks furnish the dignified second-floor courtroom.

Erected by Montana Historical Society; Department of the Interior, National Register of Historic Places.

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

Location. 47° 49.054′ N, 110° 40.283′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is on Franklin Street near 13th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1308 Franklin, 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. A different marker also named Chouteau County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker);

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); Bank of Northern Montana (about 800 feet away); Stockmen's National Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Davidson and Moffitt Harness Shop (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Union Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Masonic Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.

Chouteau County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

2. Chouteau County Courthouse

Second-floor Courtroom image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

3. Second-floor Courtroom

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

4. Second-floor Courtroom

Courtroom Audience Seating image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

5. Courtroom Audience Seating

Note the hatrack on the bottom of the seats.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.