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

Power Mercantile Building

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

1. Power Mercantile Building Marker

Inscription. Possibly one of the first architect-designed stone buildings along Main Street, the Power Mercantile Building is the most visible example of Lewistown’s stone architecture. Merchant Francis Janeaux became indebted to supplier T. C. Power and lost his buildings, merchandise, and some lots to cover his $5,096 debt. The Power Brothers established the Power Mercantile Company in 1883 and dispatched N. M. Erickson to run the operation. Erickson petitioned for a post office designation for Lewistown and became the city’s first postmaster on March 10, 1884. Erickson remained managing partner of Power Mercantile until his death in 1894. W. D. Symmes filled Erickson’s vacant post and ultimately became sole proprietor of the mercantile. Active in Lewistown’s development, Symmes served two non-consecutive terms as mayor. The well-established business moved into this larger stone facility in 1901. The mercantile continued to flourish, expanding with a matching addition in 1913. The addition connected the store on Main Street with the warehouse on Broadway. Eventually Power Mercantile occupied most of the 300 block of Main Street.

Erected by Montana

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

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 date for this entry is March 10, 1884.

Location. 47° 3.929′ N, 109° 25.574′ 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 West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 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: Bon-Ton (within shouting

Power Mercantile Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

2. Power Mercantile Building and Marker

The marker is on the 3rd Avenue North side of the building, just to the right of the glass window.

distance of this marker); Montana Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Warr-Lane Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Fergus County (within shouting distance of this marker); US Land Office / Warr Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Phillips Drug Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Warr Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Hub (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewistown.

Power Mercantile Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

3. Power Mercantile Building

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 337 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.