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.
Forbis Block. Butte National Historic Landmark District. 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.
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.
Location. 46° 0.836′ N, 112° 32.063′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. Marker is on East Broadway Street near North Main Street, on the right when traveling 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
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 76 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
