Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Ursuline Academy

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2019

1. Ursuline Academy Marker

Inscription. The Sisters of the Order of St. Ursula came to Montana in 1884 to establish schools for Indians. When the homestead movement created a need for more urban educational facilities, the Great Falls Townsite Company offered the sisters any two city blocks. This site overlooking the city was chosen for its tranquility, removed from the bustle of the city’s center. In 1912, the Ursuline Academy opened its doors to day and boarding students of all denominations. The academy, a detached gymnasium, two shrines, and the grounds comprise the campus. Iconography by Sister Raphael Schweda graces the academy’s interior. Great Falls architect George Shanley chose the Collegiate Gothic style to reflect the academy’s commitment to learning and its ecclesiastical associations. But the building also represents the culmination of the Ursulines’ mission to bring education and culture to Montana’s youth. From a log cabin to this grand and noble institution of learning, the “lady black robes” have touched the lives of thousands of Montanans. The sisters continued their mission teaching at the academy until it became the Ursuline Centre

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in 1971. The sisters who reside within its lofty halls continue to serve in the community and graciously open their home to ecumenical activities.

Erected by The Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Women. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 47° 30.285′ N, 111° 16.011′ W. Marker is in Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. It is on Central Avenue near 23rd Street North, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2300 Central Avenue, Great Falls MT 59401, 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 Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also

Ursuline Academy and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2019

2. Ursuline Academy and Marker

the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Ten Who Died In Service (approx. ¾ mile away); Black Eagle Falls (approx. 1.1 miles away); Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 1.2 miles away); Masonic Temple (approx. 1.2 miles away); Dubbs Block (approx. 1.2 miles away); W.K. Floweree House (approx. 1.2 miles away); C.E. Davis Residence (approx. 1.3 miles away); Quigley House (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Falls.

Also see . . . Ursuline Academy (Great Falls, Montana). In 1908, the wood frame Ursuline school at St. Peter's Mission burned to the ground. The Ursulines decided to move the center of their activity to nearby Great Falls, which was founded in 1883. The sisters were strongly supported by Bishop Mathias Lenihan, who led the Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls (which had formed in 1904). The Great Falls Townsite Company offered them any two city blocks. (Submitted on December 24, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Ursuline Academy image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2019

3. Ursuline Academy

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2019

4. Ursuline Academy

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 478 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 24, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.