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

Reeder's Alley

Where the Spirit of Montana's Heritage Lives!

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

1. Reeder's Alley Marker

Captions: (upper left) Garden area behind the Pioneer Cabin ca. 1905; (center left) Pioneer Cabin to the right; (bottom left) Yee Waa Cabin with a dirt Reeder's Alley ca. 198(?)5.

This marker is located at the entrance to Reeder's Alley.

Inscription. On July 14, 1864, four hungry miners took a "last chance", found color in their pans, and gold seekers soon moved to stake their claims. One of them built the Pioneer Cabin, Helena's oldest documented dwelling. Within the first four years, Last Chance placers yielded $19 million dollars in gold.
Pennsylvania brick mason Louis Reeder built the alley's stone and brick buildings between 1873 and 1884. The small apartments first housed miners working nearby claims, and later pensioners.
In 1938, the Last Chance Restoration Association launched one of the first preservation efforts in the West, purchasing the the Pioneer and Caretaker's cabins. Then in 1961, three Helena women rescued the alley from demolition. This historic neighborhood survived fires, the 1893 silver panic, the 1935 earthquakes, 1970s Urban Renewal, and the test of time.
Today, the Montana Heritage Commission manages and cares for these historic properties for the State of Montana. Explore the alley's nooks and crannies, and unique businesses. Enjoy this special piece of Montana's heritage and Helena's history.
Your generous donation will help preserve Reeder's Alley and the Cabins.

Erected by Montana Heritage Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings

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. A significant historical date for this entry is July 14, 1864.

Location. 46° 35.089′ N, 112° 2.597′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker can be reached from South Park Avenue near Reeder's Alley, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 South Park Avenue, 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. Caretaker's Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Cabin on Last Chance Gulch (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Cabin (a few steps from this marker); "The Pioneer Cabin" (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Reeder's Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Reeder's Alley Survived the Test of Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone House at Reeder's Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Morelli Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 13 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Mid-distance view of the marker • Can you help?