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

Joseph K. Toole House

Helena South-Central Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Joseph K. Toole House Marker

Inscription. n May of 1890, Montana’s first governor, Helena trial lawyer and territorial statesman Joseph Kemp Toole, brought his bride, Lilly, to live in the family home on Rodney Street. The territorial brick residence had been constructed before 1880 for family patriarch Edwin Toole, who moved to Helena after the elder Mrs. Toole’s death in 1878. Under Lilly’s direction a decade later, the home became “one of the most delightful in Helena.” Used as executive mansion throughout Toole’s first term of office, the interesting floorplan was well adapted to frequent entertaining. Two well-appointed parlors graced the upper floor while the lower level contained the kitchen and dining room. The two-storied west end with double porches featured striking views overlooking the city’s then-commercial center. This nostalgically charming home nestled into the hillside appears much as it did in the 1890s, framed by remnants of Lilly’s original landscaping.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included

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in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 34.981′ N, 112° 2.23′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of South Rodney Street and Miller Street, on the left when traveling north on South Rodney Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 South Rodney 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: Helena South-Central Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Koch House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); English House (about 300 feet away); 221 Spencer Street (about

Joseph K. Toole House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Joseph K. Toole House and Marker

400 feet away); 229 Spencer (about 500 feet away); Ingram House (about 600 feet away); Henry Blase House (about 600 feet away); 20 South Rodney Street (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 444 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.