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

Rodney Hotel

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Rodney Hotel Marker

Inscription. Thomas K. Dane established a hotel on this corner in 1875 when Helena became the territorial capital. On a busy thoroughfare just off Courthouse Square, the establishment had become the Rodney Hotel by 1883 and the original frame building fronting Rodney Street soon assumed its present L-shape. Patrons could rent a room and have a hot meal or enjoy a cold draught in the saloon before turning in. Heat from a coal-fired furnace was piped into the first floor and rose through ceiling registers to keep the second floor cozy. Forty-four boarders in 1890 included miners, bridge builders, masons, stone cutters, blacksmiths, and teamsters. The 1910 census records fifteen roomers; the smaller number reflects the partitioning of sleeping rooms to allow more privacy. “Dick’s” grocery replaced the saloon during Prohibition, then William Redd and Fred Meadows reopened it as the Red Meadow Bar in the 1930s. When that longtime watering hole closed in 1997, the Rodney Hotel and Creamery took its place. It was still a neighborhood fixture, but one where youngsters were welcome, too.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 46° 35.151′ N, 112° 2.084′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of North Rodney Street and Breckenridge Street, on the left when traveling north on North Rodney Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 North 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: Weinstein Grocery Store (a few steps from this marker); Joseph E. Allen Livery (within shouting distance of this marker); Rodney Street News (within shouting

Rodney Hotel and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Rodney Hotel and Marker

The marker is on the Breckenridge Street side of the building.

distance of this marker); Lewis and Clark County Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 203 North Rodney Street (about 300 feet away); LaReau House (about 300 feet away); Baldwin / Grady House (about 300 feet away); Fifth Avenue Apartment House (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 14, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 466 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 14, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.