Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Power Block and Power Block West

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

1. Power Block and Power Block West Marker

Inscription. Influential merchant and investor T. C. Power built his fortunes by controlling much of territorial Montana’s commerce and Indian trade. This outstanding granite business block housed Power’s American National Bank from 1892 through the 1920s. Willetts and Ashley of Chicago drew the plans for the 1889 building, which reflects both the Romanesque Revival style and the American transition to the then-emerging Chicago School of architecture. The rounded northeast corner features openings that correspond in number to the floor level. The Power Block West, built to match the original design, was added in 1914.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 46° 35.324′ N, 112° 2.325′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of North Last Chance Gulch and North 6th Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Last Chance

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Gulch. This portion of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrian mall closed to vehicular traffic. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 58 North Last Chance Gulch, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Gold West 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: Helena Historic District (a few steps from this marker); Goodkind Building (a few steps from this marker); Gold Block (a few steps from this marker); Discovery of Gold in Last Chance Gulch (within shouting distance of this marker); New York Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Diversity in Helena (within shouting distance of this marker); Montana Club (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eybel's Cafe (about

Power Block and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

2. Power Block and Marker

The marker is to the right of the entrance.

400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 569 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.