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

William M. Bishop House

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. William M. Bishop House Marker

Inscription. This early gable-front-and-wing residence was constructed in 1878 by postal clerk William F. Bishop for $2,000. Mrs. Margaret Bishop ran a dressmaking business from the home and took in boarders in the late 1880s. Cottage industries and boardinghouses were a common thread in this neighborhood. By 1899, Fred W. Hill and his wife, Clara, had moved into the residence. Hill came to Montana in the mid-1870s and served an enlistment as a scout under General George Custer. He eventually settled in Helena, where he engaged in the wholesale and retail cigar and tobacco business. In 1910, the Hills had a live-in servant and two boarders, one of whom worked at Hill’s Grand Central Cigar Store on North Main Street. The Hills owned the home until Fred’s death in 1937. Despite addition of a half story and new siding, early design features remain including turned porch posts and fancy spindlework below the roof.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the

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Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 35.095′ N, 112° 2.078′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on East Broadway Street near North Davis Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 412 East Broadway 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 (a few steps from this marker); Holter Cottage #1 (a few steps from this marker); Ryan Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodman S. Paynter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Martin M. Holter House

William M. Bishop House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. William M. Bishop House and Marker

The marker is among the vegetation to the right of the steps.

(within shouting distance of this marker); William Steele Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry M. Parchen Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); 17-19 South Rodney Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 12, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.