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

Governor Leslie House

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Governor Leslie House and Marker

Inscription. Territorial Governor Preston Leslie was a resident of this early Helena home, constructed in the late 1870s. Originally built in the Gothic Revival style popular during Helena’s townsite period, later remodeling added classical details. The two distinct styles are evident at the center of the second story where a triangular pediment supported on classical columns has been placed in front of the steeply pitched “Gothic” gable. President Grover Cleveland appointed Leslie, a former governor of Kentucky, to the Montana office after Samuel T. Hauser’s resignation. Leslie served from 1887 to 1889. President Cleveland later appointed him Montana’s U.S. District Attorney. This home was the interim executive mansion during 1888 while the Leslies awaited completion of a new residence on Broadway. State Mining Inspector George G. Swallow then occupied this home until 1894. During the later 1890s, Madame Carla LaFleur operated her furrier business from the house. Significant as one of only several surviving examples of Gothic Revival architecture from Helena’s earliest period, the landmark home gains prestige as a territorial governor’s

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residence.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 35.214′ N, 112° 2.02′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of North Rodney Street and East 6th Avenue on North Rodney Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 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:

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203 North Rodney Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Lyman-Neel Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Child Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rodney Street News (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert and Elizabeth Fisk Residence (about 300 feet away); Fifth Avenue Apartment House (about 300 feet away); Baldwin / Grady House (about 300 feet away); LaReau House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 356 times since then and 27 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.