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

Forbis Block

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

1. Forbis Block Marker

Inscription. Originally a hotel with ground-floor offices, this three-story masonry building typifies the combination lodging/commercial space demanded by Butte’s growing population. Lawyer James W. Forbis financed construction of the building circa 1889. He and John F. Forbis opened ground-floor law offices here in 1890, and James remained until after 1903. Though the masonry walls have been stuccoed, windows replaced, and the original storefront modified, stone windowsills and an outer staircase with wood beaded wainscoting remain intact. The Forbis Block is significant today for its associations with Butte’s copper boom years, 1888-1916, and retains its original residential/commercial function.

Erected by Montana 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. 46° 0.836′ N, 112° 32.063′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is on East Broadway Street near North Main Street, on the right when traveling

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west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45-47 East Broadway Street, 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: Thornton Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Thornton Block (within shouting distance of this marker); City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Hirbour Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hennessy Building (about 300 feet away); Finlen Hotel (about 300 feet away); The Napton (about 300 feet away); Rookwood Hotel (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Forbis Block and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

2. Forbis Block and Marker

Forbis Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

3. Forbis Block

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.