Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Alex C. Johnson Home
Helena Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021
1. Alex C. Johnson Home Marker
Inscription.
Alex C. Johnson Home. Helena Historic District. Senator T. C. Power met A. C. Johnson in Chicago and, taking a liking to the young man, offered him a job out west. The nineteen-year-old came to work as chief clerk at Power’s Fort Benton Mercantile in 1879. Power and Johnson became friends and both moved to Helena in 1890. Johnson rose to direct Power’s American National Bank and its successor, the First National Bank of Montana. Admiringly dubbed the “dean of Montana bankers,” Johnson believed a banker’s responsibility was to those who trusted him with their money. His home, built in 1892, mirrors the image Johnson cultivated for his financial institutions: strong, fortresslike, and invincible. The home’s Romanesque style, with its castle-like tower, round-arched entryway, and rough granite blocks, well reflects Johnson’s intention. Banker Henry Hale Piggott and his family, in residence by 1927, raised their three daughters here. In 1956, the Episcopal diocese purchased the residence. It became the home of several Episcopal bishops. The “9 Cross” in the wrought ironwork on the porch, the registered livestock brand of the Episcopal diocese, recalls this past owner.
Senator T. C. Power met A. C. Johnson in Chicago and, taking a liking to the young man, offered him a job out west. The nineteen-year-old came to work as chief clerk at Power’s Fort Benton Mercantile in 1879. Power and Johnson became friends and both moved to Helena in 1890. Johnson rose to direct Power’s American National Bank and its successor, the First National Bank of Montana. Admiringly dubbed the “dean of Montana bankers,” Johnson believed a banker’s responsibility was to those who trusted him with their money. His home, built in 1892, mirrors the image Johnson cultivated for his financial institutions: strong, fortresslike, and invincible. The home’s Romanesque style, with its castle-like tower, round-arched entryway, and rough granite blocks, well reflects Johnson’s intention. Banker Henry Hale Piggott and his family, in residence by 1927, raised their three daughters here. In 1956, the Episcopal diocese purchased the residence. It became the home of several Episcopal bishops. The “9 Cross” in the wrought ironwork on the porch, the registered livestock brand of the Episcopal diocese, recalls this past owner.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
Location. 46° 35.723′ N, 112° 2.756′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Stuart Street, on the left when traveling north on Harrison Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 724 Harrison Avenue, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Alex C. Johnson Home. This property is located in Helena's historic Mansion District.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021
2. Alex C. Johnson Home and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 8, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
