Near Havre in Hill County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Officers' Amusement Hall

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

1. Officers' Amusement Hall Marker

Inscription. In its final years as a military outpost in 1904 and 1905, Fort Assinniboine underwent an extensive effort to expand and modernize its facilities. Great Falls contractors Frank Coombs and Duncan Brothers built this residential duplex in 1905 for non-commissioned officers (NCO’s) and their families. It was the second and smaller of two residential buildings primarily designed for NCO’s not attached to a specific company. This could include Headquarters, Signal Corps, or Quartermaster staff. The first residential building—which no longer stands—was built in 1881 with four three-room apartments. The fort typically had many NCO’s, most of whom probably lived in barracks with their men, but a few had their wives and families with them. This second housing facility, constructed of red brick framed in wood typical of the fort’s architecture, included two mirror image apartments with a parlor and kitchen on the ground floor and two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. The two apartments were later connected to serve as housing for Experiment Station personnel.

Erected by Montana Historical Society; Department of the

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Interior, National Register of Historic Places.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 48° 29.878′ N, 109° 47.913′ W. Marker is near Havre, Montana, in Hill County. It is on Fort Circle near 82nd Avenue West (Assinniboine Road). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Havre MT 59501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Missouri River 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: Post Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); Guardhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Library (about 500 feet away); Fort Assinniboine

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

2. Officers' Amusement Hall Marker

(about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Assinniboine (about 500 feet away); The Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Assinniboine (about 500 feet away); John A. Burns (about 500 feet away); Fort Assiniboine (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre.

Regarding Officers' Amusement Hall. This marker on the grounds of Fort Assinniboine.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.