Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Most Progressive in Montana
First in Montana
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020
1. Most Progressive in Montana Marker
Inscription.
Most Progressive in Montana. First in Montana. , On July 19, 1882 the steamer Rose Bud docked at the Fort Benton levee. That night the residents got their first glimpse of an electric light with a show from the the steamer's big searchlight, much to the chagrin of a prominent local citizen and his girlfriend on the balcony of the Choteau House. By 1887 five Block P boats had electricity in their cabins.
The city of Fort Benton had its own steam generator and a water treatment plant in 1888. Both were the first in Montana, several months ahead of Helena and years ahead of Butte. Celebration of the occasion was on St. Patrick's Day at the Choteau House; Mayor Jere Sullivan and builder George F. Woolston gave the featured addresses to a houseful of delighted citizens.
On July 19, 1882 the steamer Rose Bud docked at the Fort Benton levee. That night the residents got their first glimpse of an electric light with a show from the the steamer's big searchlight, much to the chagrin of a prominent local citizen and his girlfriend on the balcony of the Choteau House. By 1887 five Block P boats had electricity in their cabins.
The city of Fort Benton had its own steam generator and a water treatment plant in 1888. Both were the first in Montana, several months ahead of Helena and years ahead of Butte. Celebration of the occasion was on St. Patrick's Day at the Choteau House; Mayor Jere Sullivan and builder George F. Woolston gave the featured addresses to a houseful of delighted citizens.
Erected by Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is July 19, 1882.
Location. 47° 48.657′ N, 110° 40.336′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is on River Street near 8th Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located on the river front pathway between Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center and the historic central business district. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Most Progressive in Montana - First in Montana Marker
Captions: (left) Electric and Water Treatment Plants; (upper right) Steamer Rose Bud; notice the large light in front.; (lower right) His Honor Mayor Jere Sullivan and Mrs. Sullivan with builder George F. Woolston dedicating the new steam generator - Throwing the Switch for the First Time.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2020
3. Most Progressive in Montana Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 3, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
