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

Thomas Lavell Residence

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

1. Thomas Lavell Residence Marker

Inscription. Traveling by stagecoach from Quebec, Canadian-born Thomas Lavell arrived in Deer Lodge in 1874 to join his brother, Geoffrey. The two came to Butte the following year and established a sawmill, providing lumber for the town’s first sawn-wood buildings. With characteristic “push and pluck,” Thomas established the Butte Cab and Transfer Company in the mid-1880s, which grew from a pioneer livery stable to Montana’s largest taxicab and light trucking business. Thomas built this beautiful home for himself and his wife, Melissa, circa 1887. The couple had six children, four of whom survived childhood. According to the Montana Standard, the Lavells entertained extensively, and their home “for many years was the scene of outstanding social affairs.” A tower with a Second Empire style mansard roof, ornate wooden brackets, and decorative cornices are a lively reminder of fashionable, early-day Butte. Melissa died in 1923 and Thomas, who came to be known as Butte’s “dean of business,” made his home here until he died in 1941.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in

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these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 46° 0.759′ N, 112° 32.449′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is at the intersection of West Park Street and South Idaho Street, on the right when traveling west on West Park Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 West Park 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: 303 West Park (a few steps from this marker); Knights of Columbus (within

Thomas Lavell Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

2. Thomas Lavell Residence and Marker

shouting distance of this marker); St. John's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Donald Campbell Residence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Masonic Temple Annex-Fox Theatre (about 300 feet away); Masonic Temple (about 300 feet away); Newton/McCrimmon House (about 300 feet away); 315 West Broadway (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Thomas Lavell Residence image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

3. Thomas Lavell Residence

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

4. Thomas Lavell Residence

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 321 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.