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

Earthquakes of 1935

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

1. Earthquakes of 1935 Marker

Inscription. Many of Helena's significant landmarks, like the old Land Office, were destroyed by the devastating Earthquakes of 1935, The first shock occured (sic) on the evening of Oct. 3, and for a period of weeks over 2,000 tremors, some violent, did millions of dollars worth of damage.
Disaster was not new to Helena, however, nearly the entire town burned 3 times before 1874 and in 1928 most of the west side of Main Street was again ravaged by fire.
South on the mall, visitors today can see the old Fire Tower. Looking north one can see a salamander, mythical survivor of fires, perched atop the Atlas Block.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is October 3, 1935.

Location. 46° 35.162′ N, 112° 2.432′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on South Last Chance Gulch near East Broadway Street, in the median. This portion of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrians only mall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 South 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. California Wine House (here, next to this marker); Boston Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Uncle Sam's Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Dunphy Block

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Sands Brothers Dry Goods (within shouting distance of this marker); Raleigh and Clarke Dry Goods (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Louis Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Helena Streetcar (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

1935 Earthquake Damage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Helena As She Was - Earthquake Gallery

2. 1935 Earthquake Damage

The Old Fire Watch Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

3. The Old Fire Watch Tower

'Salamanders' on top of the Atlas Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

4. 'Salamanders' on top of the Atlas Block

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 4, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.