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

Edward C. Babcock Mansion

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

1. Edward C. Babcock Mansion Marker

Inscription. Locally quarried blue-gray granite complements the shingled upper stories in this commanding nineteenth-century home. Both this residence and the one next door are stellar examples of the eclectic Shingle style. The wide porch and asymmetry are Queen Anne hallmarks while the heavy stonework is borrowed from the Romanesque. Classical porch columns and Palladian windows are characteristic of the Colonial Revival style. The curved corners and a tower dormer add to the architectural feast. Inside, refined and elegant features include intricate parquet flooring, imported Italian tile fireplaces, beautiful stained glass windows, and a grand third-story ballroom. E. C. Babcock, proprietor of an elegant “gentleman’s furnishings” business, and his wife Minnie were in residence by 1898. William and Ellen Nichols purchased the property circa 1915 and raised their family here. Mrs. Nichols was the daughter of Harry Child, whose highly successful Yellowstone Park Company provided early tourist transportation in the national park. William Nichols worked for the family business, long serving as the transportation company’s president.

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Mrs. Nichols was a generous Helena benefactor, fondly remembered as a founder of the Green Meadow Country Club.

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.

Location. 46° 35.657′ N, 112° 2.753′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Floweree Street, on the left when traveling north on Harrison Avenue. This property is located in Helena's historic Mansion District. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 706 Harrison 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

Edward C. Babcock Mansion and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

2. Edward C. Babcock Mansion and Marker

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: Tracy-Power Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Tatem-Young Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Alex C. Johnson Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Grossberg Residence (about 400 feet away); Palmquist Residence (about 500 feet away); Samuel T. Hauser Mansion (about 500 feet away); Gilpatrick/Root House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Boyer/Hawkins Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 263 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.