Butte in Silver Bow County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Thornton Hotel

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

1. Thornton Hotel Marker

Inscription. The emerging talent of architect H. M. Patterson is evident in this early example of his work, built circa 1890. Named for prominent local resident and Civil War veteran Colonel J. C. C. Thornton (who died in 1887), the stately hotel featured first-floor commercial space and upper-level apartments. Patterson’s distinctive Richardsonian Romanesque-inspired style here includes grand third-floor arches and the mixed textures of brick and stone on the façade, elements that were soon to invigorate Butte’s streetscape. The first-floor interior boasts an open oak staircase, cast-iron columns, and ornate tin ceiling, which no doubt impressed hotel guests.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 46° 0.839′ N, 112° 32.053′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is on East Broadway Street near North Wyoming Street, on the right when traveling west.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 53 E Broadway St, Butte MT 59701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

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: Forbis Block (a few steps from this marker); Thornton Block (within shouting distance of this marker); City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Finlen Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Hennessy Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Napton (about 300 feet away); Hirbour Block (about 300 feet away); Salvation Army Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Thornton Hotel and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

2. Thornton Hotel and Marker

Thornton Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

3. Thornton Hotel

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 441 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.