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

John Gillie Home

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

1. John Gillie Home Marker

Inscription. Armed with a degree in mining engineering, Canadian John Gillie arrived in Butte via stagecoach on April 6, 1880. The mining camp was so crowded that even hotel floor space rented at a premium. Gillie bedded down in in the hayloft of a barn, a rude beginning to a long and distinguished career. Gillie became known as “dean of Montana mining engineers.” He was so highly regarded that, even though copper kings W. A. Clark and Marcus Daly were at daggers’ points, both employed Gillie as examining engineer; he later served as superintendent of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. In 1895, the Montana legislature appointed Gillie secretary of the commission to establish the Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech). By 1890, he and his wife, Margaret, settled into this home, which they owned until Gillie’s death in 1941. One of the first residences west of the original townsite, its simple elegance and more rural appearance set this home apart from its later high-styled neighbors.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce •

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Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 0.778′ N, 112° 32.974′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is on North Excelsior Avenue near West Broadway Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27 North Excelsior Avenue, 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: William Symons Residence (a few steps from this marker); Hodgens/Ryan Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Harry W. Turner House (within shouting distance of

John Gillie Home and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

2. John Gillie Home and Marker

this marker); 832 West Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 827 West Park (about 300 feet away); 825 West Park (about 400 feet away); Scovil Residence (about 400 feet away); John E. Davis Home (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.