North Park in Billings in Yellowstone County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Billings Implement Building

Billings Townsite Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020

1. Billings Implement Building Marker

Inscription. In 1906, the Northern Pacific Railroad moved its central railroad transfer point from Billings to Laurel. The move opened new tracts of land for development along the railroad right-of-way. These lots had the advantage of bordering both the tracks and Billings’ downtown commercial district. Thus, they were perfect for businesses dependent on large and frequent train deliveries, for example farm implement dealers or grocery wholesalers. Both types of businesses occupied this building, constructed circa 1915 by the Billings Implement Co. Like others on the block, this two-story brick structure presents two distinct appearances. Intended to serve as a warehouse, store, and office all in one, its design reflects its multiple purposes. The refined north face features a typical Western Commercial style facade. To the rear, the building presents its working face. A loading dock reveals the building’s function as a warehouse and its connection to the trains that delivered goods for resale. After sitting vacant for over ten years, both this building and the one next door were renovated to include residential lofts in 2004.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 45° 46.931′ N, 108° 30.165′ W. Marker is in Billings, Montana, in Yellowstone County. It is in North Park. It is on Montana Avenue (Business Interstate 90) near North 26th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2608 Montana Avenue, Billings MT 59101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Yellowstone Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

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: Mills Durant Star Building (a few steps from this marker); Actor Bill Hart Visits Montana Avenue - 1927

Billings Implement Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020

2. Billings Implement Building and Marker

There marker is between the two vehicles.

(within shouting distance of this marker); George L. Tracy Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The ARU Railroad Strike - 1894 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chief Plenty Coups Visits - circa 1921 (about 300 feet away); Swift and Company Building (about 300 feet away); Price Motor Sales (about 300 feet away); Oliver Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Billings.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 287 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.