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

Atlas Block

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

1. Atlas Block Marker

Inscription. The fanciful façade of this nineteenth-century showcase was intended to convey a powerful message. Completed in 1889 for the insurance company of Samuel J. Jones at a cost of $40,000, the vivid imagery is an advertisement, showing how insurance offered protection against the ever-present danger of fire. Stylized flames on a metal cornice lap at the top of the building while salamanders, mythical creatures believed to be immune to fire, cavort above the flames. The central figure of Atlas holds the weight of the building on his shoulders. Originally there were two storefronts on the west ground floor and two that opened at the second-floor level onto Jackson Street. The New York Store (one of Helena’s early department stores) and a saloon were among the tenants during the 1890s. This exceptional building, with its grand off-center arched entry and rough granite detailing, is an excellent example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture, inspired by H. H. Richardson. Designed by Helena architects Shaffer and Stranahan, the Atlas Block bears a striking resemblance to Richardson’s Crane Library, built in 1883 at

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Quincy, Massachusetts.

Erected by Montana Department of Transportation.

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.

Location. 46° 35.225′ N, 112° 2.357′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on North Last Chance Gulch near East Broadway Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7 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:

Atlas Block and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

2. Atlas Block and Marker

The marker is near the light standard.

Helena, Financial Center of Montana (a few steps from this marker); Placer Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank Securities Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Montana's Capital (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Helena Streetcar (within shouting distance of this marker); 116 Broad Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Louis Block (about 300 feet away); Diversity in Helena (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Atlas Block Cornice Lap image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

3. Atlas Block Cornice Lap

From the marker: Stylized flames on a metal cornice lap at the top of the building while salamanders, mythical creatures believed to be immune to fire, cavort above the flames.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 406 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 23, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.