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

Butte Tin Shop

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

1. Butte Tin Shop Marker

Inscription. A visiting journalist wrote in the 1890s that this neighborhood was “like a street leading into hell,” and, in 1910, even the passionate bar-smasher Carry Nation failed to make an impression. Here in the sleepless heart of Butte’s red light district, prostitutes and gamblers conducted their illegal business. Fourteen prostitutes worked on this side of the block in 1900, many out of one-room rentals or “cribs” that lined the street. That year Annie Jones age 21 and divorcee Edna Hall age 36 entertained customers in the two frame-and-brick cribs that stood at this address. Remodeling later incorporated these cribs into the present building, and after 1917 progressive reforms and prohibition brought dramatic changes to Butte’s demimonde. Parlor house, brothels, and cribs were either torn down or, like the Butte Tin Shop, converted to respectable businesses.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 46° 0.721′ N, 112° 32.084′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver

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Bow County. It is on East Galena Street near South Main Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28 East Galena 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: Pleasant Alley and the Copper Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Pleasant Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Butte Daily Post Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Wah Chong Tai Company Building and Mai Wah Noodle Parlors (within shouting distance of this marker); Pekin Noodle Parlor (within shouting distance of this marker); 125-134 South Main (within shouting distance of this marker); Dumas Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Push Saloon / Silver Dollar Saloon (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Additional keywords. Postitution; sex work

Butte Tin Shop and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

2. Butte Tin Shop and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 338 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.