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

Alderson House

Carriage House Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020

1. Alderson House Marker

Inscription. Nannie Alderson came to Montana from Kansas with her husband Walt in 1883. They operated a cattle ranch for a decade but moved to Miles City in 1893 so their children could attend school. In 1895, Walt died from head injuries after he was kicked by a horse. Left with four children between the ages of two and eleven, Nannie built this home for her family. She scraped by, selling home-baked bread and milk from the family’s cow and catering meals. She also took in boarders. Nannie moved the family to Birney in 1902. Later in her life, Nannie earned wide acclaim for her pioneer reminiscence, A Bride Goes West, published in 1942. Her quaint wood-frame home retains its Greek Revival style footprint, once common in Miles City, but rarely preserved. Changes, including alteration of the front porch and the addition of side entry canopies in the 1910s, add an interesting layer. These reflect changing tastes and the growing popularity of the bungalow style in the early twentieth century.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 24.605′ N, 105° 50.773′ W. Marker is in Miles City, Montana, in Custer County. It is at the intersection of Palmer Street and North 11th Street, on the left when traveling east on Palmer Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1019 Palmer 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: McAusland House (a few steps from this marker); Emmanuel Church (within shouting

Alderson House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020

2. Alderson House and Marker

The marker is beside the green steps.

distance of this marker); 1005 Palmer (within shouting distance of this marker); Kennie / Howe House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ulmer House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Methodist Church (about 500 feet away); Furstnow House (about 500 feet away); Carriage House Historic District (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Miles City.

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 351 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.