Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

John S. Johnston House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

1. John S. Johnston House Marker

Inscription. Missoula blossomed at the turn of the twentieth century as railroad transportation facilities expanded, securing the town’s prominence as a trade, manufacturing, and lumbering center for western Montana. As Missoula gained importance, this residential area enjoyed increased status as a fashionable upper-middle-class neighborhood. Prior to 1902, builder-carpenter John S. Johnston had purchased this property, which included a small one-story wood-frame dwelling. Between 1902 and 1912 a two-story Queen Anne style addition was constructed to the front of the original structure. The finished residence was a worthy contribution to the now prestigious neighborhood. It was probably Johnston himself, working from a pattern book, who skillfully crafted the new residence around the old. The irregular plan is typical of Queen Anne design and includes a corner turret with conical roof and wide wraparound porch with Doric columns. Decorative bracketing beneath the turret roof, narrow clapboard siding, and beautiful curved and leaded glass reveal tasteful and meticulous attention to detail. A tin-ceilinged dining room and exquisite interior

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finishing disclose the loving hand of a talented craftsman. The original structure was altered to serve as the kitchen, but the Queen Anne addition remains an intact and remarkably well-preserved example of period architecture.

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 46° 52.597′ N, 113° 59.813′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on West Alder Street near North Orange Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 412 West Alder Street, Missoula MT 59802, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier 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,

John S. Johnston House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

2. John S. Johnston House and Marker

The marker is to the right of the steps.

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: Mrs. Lydia McCaffery's Furnished Rooms (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lindsay Commission Company Warehouse (about 600 feet away); Northside Missoula Railroad Historic District (about 700 feet away); 426 North First Street West (about 700 feet away); St. Francis Xavier Church (about 700 feet away); Keim Building (about 800 feet away); Apartment Building at 116 West Spruce (approx. 0.2 miles away); Taxidermist Shop and Warwick Apartments (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.