Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
17-19 South Rodney Street
Helena Historic District
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021
1. 17-19 South Rodney Street Marker
In September 1887, the Helena Weekly Herald noted “nine first-class brick residences” under construction on South Rodney Street. Among them were three nearly identical duplexes, called Galen Estates after one of the development’s principal investors. A trader who first visited the area in 1858, Hugh Galen settled in Helena in 1866. The multifaceted businessman ran a freighting company, operated a stage line, owned several large ranches, served as one-time president of the Capital Lighting Company, and was a director of the Montana National Bank. Simply ornamented with a metal cornice and stained-glass transoms above the front picture windows, this two-story building originally provided rental housing for Helena’s elite. In 1890, “capitalist” and large-scale sheep rancher Henry Cannon resided in the north duplex with his wife Emma and their live-in servant. Successful merchant James Wells lived in the south duplex. After Helena’s wealthiest citizens migrated to the West Side, the class of tenant changed. By 1933, the duplex had been converted into a four-unit building, which housed the families of a miner, an auditor, a smelter worker, and a Northern Pacific watchman.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
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Location. 46° 35.068′ N, 112° 2.137′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on South Rodney Street near East Broadway Street when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17-19 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: Martin M. Holter House (within shouting distance of this marker); 20 South Rodney Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodman S. Paynter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry M. Parchen Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Holter Cottage #1 (within shouting distance of this marker); William M. Bishop House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry Blase House (about 300 feet away); Ryan Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021
2. 17-19 South Rodney Street Residences and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
