Lewistown in Fergus County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Montana Building

Lewistown Central Business Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

1. Montana Building Marker

Inscription. This elaborate six-story brick structure represents a visible sign of the stability and prosperity in Lewistown in 1916 and stands as the architectural anchor of the Central Business District. The construction of this mixed Neoclassical and Revival style building signaled the end of the town’s greatest period of growth. Designed by J. G. Link and C. S. Haire, the building reflects the construction methods and materials of the period, reinforced by the stunning white terra cotta Beaux Arts style façade. The Montana Building originally housed the Bank of Fergus County and the Montana Hardware Company. Drought and depression created a period of anxiety for building owners and the county eventually acquired partial ownership in lieu of taxes. A massive homestead exodus in 1924 led to the bank’s closure. In response, the First National Bank was established and opened in the building in December 1924. Montana Hardware relocated in 1960 and the bank expanded to occupy the entire first floor. The Montana Building is an excellent example of this period and a monument to the community’s optimism.

Erected by Montana Historical

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Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1924.

Location. 47° 3.937′ N, 109° 25.549′ W. Marker is in Lewistown, Montana, in Fergus County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street (U.S. 87) and 3rd Avenue North, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 224 West Main Street, Lewistown MT 59457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana 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: Bank of Fergus County (a few steps from this marker); Power Mercantile Building

Montana Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

2. Montana Building and Marker

The marker is on the right side of the building, to the right of the left entrance.

(within shouting distance of this marker); US Land Office / Warr Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hub (within shouting distance of this marker); Warr Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Warr-Lane Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bon-Ton (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewistown.

Montana Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

3. Montana Building

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.