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

431 West Mercury

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

1. 431 West Mercury Marker

Inscription. A round turreted entry with an elaborate porch is the focal point of this Queen Anne style home. Built circa 1890, its prefabricated decorative features were designed to add individuality and elegance to the homes of Butte’s working class. Turned posts, scroll brackets, stained glass transoms, and a cutwork frieze under the porch eaves are elements that enrich the personality of this Victorian-era home. Originally an investment property, its first owner was Helena attorney Massena Bullard. By 1910, Michael Doody was the resident owner and landlord. He and his wife, son, and grandson shared half the house with several lodgers while a second family rented the other half. Doody came to the Mining City employed by the Northern Pacific, working on a construction crew when the tracks reached Butte in 1882. Doody developed mining properties in Philipsburg and eventually settled in Butte working as a blacksmith for the mines. When he died in 1928, his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Paul Ott, inherited the property. The Otts and later, their son, occupied the home until 1945.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 46° 0.652′ N, 112° 32.584′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is at the intersection of West Mercury Street and South Jackson Street, on the right when traveling west on West Mercury Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 431 West Mercury 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: 423-425 West Mercury (a few steps from this marker); H. Fred and Sophia Gamer Residence

431 West Mercury Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

2. 431 West Mercury Residence and Marker

The marker is on a post at the bottom right of the steps.

(within shouting distance of this marker); 510 West Galena (within shouting distance of this marker); Lynch Residence (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Patrick's Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); St. Patrick's Convent (about 400 feet away); Virginia Apartments (about 400 feet away); B'nai Israel Temple (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

431 West Mercury Residence image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

3. 431 West Mercury Residence

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.