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

Library

Fort Assinniboine

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

1. Library Marker

Inscription. The post’s first library was relegated to a small space at the back of the Signal Corps office, but in 1888-89 the military spent $1,409.13 to build a one-story, brick, hipped-roof library with multiple wings. A visiting Helena reporter called the resulting structure “not especially artistic without, but very comfortable within.” Between 1892 and 1911 the library doubled as a post office. Mail arrived via stagecoach from Fort Benton tri-weekly, providing a tangible connection to family and friends. In combination with the chapel/school, officers encouraged (and later required) unschooled enlisted men to attend classes and to visit the library after their work was done. Officers also spent time in the library studying military manuals as they upgraded their training through a program coordinated by Fort Leavenworth. In addition, the library carried thirty-three newspapers and fifteen magazines. When officers were transferred from the fort, they typically donated books and even furniture to the library, whose collection eventually contained over a thousand volumes. Checkers and chess sets were also available.

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In 1941, the building’s interior was completely remodeled, removing all signs of its former use.

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: Education • Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 48° 29.889′ N, 109° 47.79′ 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

Library and Marker, on right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

2. Library and Marker, on right

this marker: Company Officers' Quarters (Apartments) (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Assinniboine (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Assinniboine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Assinniboine (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Assiniboine (within shouting distance of this marker); John A. Burns (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Exchange (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Guardhouse (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre.

More about this marker. This marker on the grounds of Fort Assinniboine.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.