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

William Steele Residence

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. William Steele Residence Marker

Inscription. Nineteenth-century charm is well preserved in this 1883 Queen Anne style residence, built by pioneer physician William L. Steele. Its present appearance reflects additions, including a front porch and bay window, made before 1892. Stucco applied over damaged brick veneer following the 1935 earthquakes adds to the architectural chronology of the attractively well-seasoned home. Dr. Steele was elected Miner’s Court president at Alder Gulch during the notorious vigilante trials of 1863-1864. After settling at Last Chance Gulch in 1864, he not only established a medical practice here and cared for hundreds of local families, but also served the community at large. He was elected to the county offices of sheriff, coroner, and treasurer; served three terms as mayor of Helena; and was a state legislator. Until his death in 1910, Dr. Steele and his gracious wife, Agnes, entertained often, making this home “famous for its hospitality.”

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement • Science & Medicine. In addition,

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it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 46° 35.115′ N, 112° 2.026′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of Breckenridge Street and South Davis Street, on the left when traveling west on Breckenridge Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 427 Breckenridge Street, 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: Myers Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); William M. Bishop House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ryan Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct

William Steele Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. William Steele Residence and Marker

line); Weinstein Grocery Store (about 300 feet away); Anna Pascoe House (about 300 feet away); LaReau House (about 300 feet away); Ward House (about 300 feet away); Holter Cottage #1 (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.