Billings in Yellowstone County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Austin North House
A Historic Billings Landmark
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
1. Austin North House Marker
Recognized by Landmarks, Inc.
June 26, 1979
Austin North Home
Allen B. LaMott Family
William R. Morrison Family
Russ B. Hart Family
"The Castle"
J.G Link
C.S. Haire
architects
1903
Erected by Landmarks, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.
Location. 45° 47.186′ N, 108° 30.721′ W. Marker is in Billings, Montana, in Yellowstone County. Marker can be reached from North 29th Street near 7th Avenue North, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 622 North 29th Street, Billings MT 59101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Dude Rancher Lodge (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); 901 North 32 Street (approx. ¼ mile away); Billings Chamber of Commerce Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); 1109 North 31 Street (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tenth Avenue Grocery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Babcock Theater (approx. 0.4 miles
this page online
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
2. Austin North House and Marker
The marker is on the porch, to the right of the center column.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
3. Austin North House Marker (This Montana Historical Society marker is not yet mounted.)
Link and Haire, Montana’s most prestigious turn-of-the-twentieth-century architectural firm designed this singular residence built in 1902-1903. It was reputedly patterned after the famed Potter Palmer mansion of Chicago, which had been modeled after an English castle. The handsome residence stood on the edge of the growing town, with open land to the west and rimrocks to the north. Owner Austin North was a highly successful real estate developer who came to Billings from Iowa in 1883. He no doubt strategically placed his new home in an outlying district to attract builders to the area. Though Austin and his family resided here only a few years, “The Castle,” as it is locally known, has long been a Billings landmark. The large three-story turret, battlements capped with sandstone, and semicircular arches endow the building with a distinct medieval character. Despite its medieval appearance, the residence was equipped with all the modern conveniences, including an early air humidifying system. The home was heated from a city heating plant, whose steam pipes ran under the sidewalks and kept them free of snow and ice in winter. Austin’s business activities reflected the intense economic development of the time, and his unique residence reveals the architectural diversity of the Montana frontier.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
4. Austin North House
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
5. Austin North House
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
6. Austin North House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
