Miles City in Custer County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

City Hall and Fire Station

Main Street Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020

1. City Hall and Fire Station Marker

Inscription. The transformation of Miles City in the early 1900s into the economic, social, and governmental center of the valley precipitated the decision to build a permanent city hall. Ed Arnold, tailor and businessman, became one of the motivating forces behind the project to erect the new facility. Arriving in Miles City in 1885, Arnold served as city treasurer for two terms and achieved the position of secretary in the Custer County building. Designed by Grover C. Pruett, one of Miles City’s most successful engineer/architects in the early twentieth century, this structure is Pruett’s greatest landmark in the city. The two-story concrete Renaissance Revival style building faced in Hebron brick is a good example of the new “academically correct” Renaissance styling and is a symbol of Miles City as a progressive and cosmopolitan town. The words “City Hall” are carved into the sandstone frieze above the portal as a permanent reminder of the building’s continued public service since 1914.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture •

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Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 24.369′ N, 105° 50.866′ W. Marker is in Miles City, Montana, in Custer County. It is at the intersection of South 8th Street and Bridge Street, on the right when traveling south on South 8th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 61 South 8th Street, Miles City MT 59301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Montana, in Custer Country and in the Powder River Basin.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the Northern Plains.

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: Jackson Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct

City Hall and Fire Station and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020

2. City Hall and Fire Station and Marker

The marker is to the left of the entrance.

line); Kenney Block (Montana Saloon) (about 500 feet away); Miles City Main Street Historic District (about 500 feet away); Dr. Redd's Brick Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); John and Anna Gibb House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Commercial Block (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Olive Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carriage House Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Miles City.

City Hall and Fire Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020

3. City Hall and Fire Station

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.