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

409 Alaska

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

1. 409 Alaska Marker

Inscription. Among the oldest survivors in the neighborhood, this four-room shotgun house was built between 1888 and 1890. That year, Butte boasted almost 11,000 people and over eighty operating mines. Mining refuse dumps separated the home from the Gagnon Hoisting Works, Clark’s Original Hoisting Works, and an extensive tram and rail network that hauled the ore to nearby smelters. By 1900, the Gagnon and Original works ran day and night; the roar of the steam engines and rattle of ore cars made it impossible for this home’s residents to forget Butte’s reason for being. A short walk down the hill led to busy Granite Street and the Miles City’s commercial and governmental center. The house’s proximity to mines and businesses reflected the intricate interconnection of Butte’s industrial, residential, and commercial zones. Widow Ellen Burns, who lived here from 1923 until her death at age sixty in 1931, surely appreciated the home’s proximity to Granite Street, where she worked as a “janitress” at the Butte Water Works. She shared the small residence, valued at $1,200 in 1930, with her miner brother, Dennis Leary.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 0.977′ N, 112° 32.277′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is on Alaska Street near West Copper Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 409 Alaska 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: 125 West Copper (within shouting distance of this marker); Scott Block (about 300 feet away,

409 Alaska Street House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

2. 409 Alaska Street House and Marker

measured in a direct line); Silver Bow County Jail (about 400 feet away); Quartz Street Fire Station (about 400 feet away); The Auditor (about 500 feet away); The Original (Mine) (about 500 feet away); Butte Miner's #1 Union Hall (about 500 feet away); Butte National Historic Landmark District (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

409 Alaska Street House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

3. 409 Alaska Street House

The Original (mine) headframe in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.