Forsyth in Rosebud County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Thomas Alexander, 1856-1918

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

1. Thomas Alexander, 1856-1918 Marker

Captions: (clockwise from the top center) Thomas Alexander, 1856-1918; Alexander School; Merchants National Bank after it became a barbershop; Alexander Home; Alexander Building.

Inscription. The history of Forsyth depends heavily on two men - Thomas Alexander and Hiram Marcyes - very different individuals yet both dedicated to creative and aggressive growth. Thomas Alexander began as a pioneer sheep, cattle and horse rancher and prospector who also clerked at Fort Keogh and fought with General Howard. Alexander became a County Commissioner of the newly founded Rosebud County in 1901.
By theat time he was operating a general store and organized the first bank here, Merchants National Bank, and housed it in a unique stone building from stone quarried near Forsyth. He built the American Hotel, erected a town hall and built several large homes in addition to providing the land for the Northern Pacific Railroad Station. Meanwhile, he developed prosperous ranches.
Thomas Alexander was part of the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He served on the early School Board, and Alexander School was named for him.
To quote Progressive Men of Montana, "He has borne himself with conspicuous uprightness and manliness, and is everywhere regarded as one of Rosebud County's leading and most representative

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

citizens."

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 46° 16.085′ N, 106° 40.469′ W. Marker is in Forsyth, Montana, in Rosebud County. It is on North 13th Avenue near Cedar Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in Pioneer Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Forsyth MT 59327, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Northern Cheyenne Nation,

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: Forsyth Residential Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

2. Thomas Alexander, 1856-1918 Marker

McCuistion Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Rosebud County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Forsyth, MT (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Beeman Residence (about 400 feet away); Bland Residence (about 400 feet away); Meyerhoff Residence (about 500 feet away); Blue Front Rooming House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Forsyth.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 490 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.