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

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

1. Church of the Immaculate Conception Marker

Inscription. The Roman Catholic faith came to Fort Benton even before the walls of the fort were erected. Father Jean Pierre de Smet and Nicholas Point celebrated the first mass on Sept. 27, 1846. "Black Robes" continued to serve the area irregularly until Fr. Camillus Imoda arrived in 1878, and directed completion of the first frame church of the Immaculate Conception on this site. On Dec. 31, 1905 fire destroyed the structure. The present stone church was constructed in 1907 and served the parish for sixty years.
In the tower is Michael, the brass bell which was installed in 1880. Given to the church by the Flanagans, it served Fort Benton faithfully for over one hundred years - not only calling the faithful to services but also tolling for fires, celebrations and disasters. In 1908 it rang all night, leading people to safety from the dark floodwaters of the Missouri that were flowing through the streets of its city.

Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is September 27, 1846.

Location. 47° 49.226′ N, 110° 40.274′ W.

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Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. It is at the intersection of Chouteau Street and 16th Street, on the left when traveling east on Chouteau Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1598 Chouteau Street, Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Montana, in Missouri River Country,

and specifically in Russell Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

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 distance of this marker: A different marker also named Church of the Immaculate Conception (a few steps from this marker); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away); Chouteau County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Chouteau

Church of the Immaculate Conception Marker, inverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

2. Church of the Immaculate Conception Marker, inverse

Captions: (top center) First Catholic service in this area September 27, 1846; (top left) First church built in 1879, and burned on December 31, 1905; (bottom center) Second church built in 1907.

County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); I.G. Baker Home (approx. ¼ mile away); McGraw's Saloon (approx. ¼ mile away); Fire! Fire! (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.

Church of the Immaculate Conception and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

3. Church of the Immaculate Conception and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.