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

Federal Reserve Bank

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

1. Federal Reserve Bank Marker

Inscription. The Helena branch of the Federal Reserve Bank opened in 1921, the result of lobbying by Norman B. Holter and other farsighted local businessmen. It distinguished Helena as the smallest town in the country to host such a bank. When the 1935 earthquakes destroyed the first structure, Montana architect George Shanley was commissioned to design a new facility. Completed in 1938 and expanded to two stories in 1945, the Art Moderne style building reflects Helena’s prominence as the financial heart of the state.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 46° 35.447′ N, 112° 2.421′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on North Park Avenue near West Lawrence Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 North Park Avenue, Helena MT 59601, United States of America.

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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: First Unitarian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Montana (within shouting distance of this marker); Christmas Gift Evans House (within shouting distance of this marker); Federal Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); YWCA (about 500 feet away); Fashion Livery and Boarding Stable (about 500 feet away); Montana Club (about 600 feet away); Olsen House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Federal Reserve Bank Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

2. Federal Reserve Bank Building and Marker

The marker is on the right side of the steps leading to the entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.