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

B.K. Tatem House

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

1. B.K. Tatem House Marker

Inscription. Charles Hendrie opened Helena’s first iron foundry on this site before 1868. The property’s third owner, Benjamen K. Tatem, built this two-story residence circa 1875. Wide eaves, low hipped roof, and tall arched windows proclaim Italianate influences and accurately convey the original appearance of this well-preserved, early home. By 1884, Tatem had located his iron works, one of two in Helena, across the street. His stamp can still be found on the lovely iron work gracing many of Helena’s nineteenth-century buildings.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 46° 34.978′ N, 112° 2.709′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on South Park Avenue near South Cruse Stree, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 440 South Park Avenue, 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: Last Chance Gulch (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Dempster House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

line); Elisha and Joseph Poad House (about 600 feet away); 488-490 West Main Street (about 700 feet away); Reeder's Alley (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Reeder's Alley (approx. 0.2 miles away); "The Pioneer Cabin" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Caretaker's Cabin (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

B.K. Tatem House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

2. B.K. Tatem House and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.