Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
First National Bank Securities Building
Helena Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
1. First National Bank Securities Building Marker
Inscription.
First National Bank Securities Building. Helena Historic District. This magnificent structure was the second home of Montana Territory’s first bank, chartered in 1866. Combining Romanesque, French Second Empire, and popular Victorian-period stylistic elements, the talented St. Paul firm of Hodgson, Wallingford and Stem created a three-story masterpiece of native granite and brown Wisconsin sandstone. The bank occupied the building from its completion in 1886 to 1931. The Securities Building, as it is known today, stands as witness to Helena’s great prosperity in the 1880s.
This magnificent structure was the second home of Montana Territory’s first bank, chartered in 1866. Combining Romanesque, French Second Empire, and popular Victorian-period stylistic elements, the talented St. Paul firm of Hodgson, Wallingford and Stem created a three-story masterpiece of native granite and brown Wisconsin sandstone. The bank occupied the building from its completion in 1886 to 1931. The Securities Building, as it is known today, stands as witness to Helena’s great prosperity in the 1880s.
Location. 46° 35.252′ N, 112° 2.347′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on North Last Chance Gulch near East 6th Avenue, on the right when traveling north. This portion of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrian mall and is closed to vehicular traffic. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 North Last Chance Gulch, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Placer Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Atlas Block
2. First National Bank Securities Building and Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
3. The Bullwhacker statue
Commerce that started during Helena's Gold Rush Days continued to flourish. Traders were supplied by freight wagons from Fort Benton
Driven by noice, the oxen responded to the crack of the whip over their heads and the constant curses of the Bullwhacker,
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
