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

Robert and Elizabeth Fisk Residence

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Robert and Elizabeth Fisk Residence Marker

Inscription. Robert E. Fisk came to Montana with the 1866 Fisk Expedition organized by his famous wagon-master brother, James. The two brothers and other partners established the Helena Herald in November 1866. Robert, who was a printer before the Civil War, served as editor. The following year he married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Chester in Connecticut. The newlyweds returned to Montana via the steamboat Little Rock. In its cargo were new printing presses and 116 bundles of newsprint. The Fisks brought Yankee Republicanism to Helena and both Robert and Lizzie were at the forefront of the political and social scenes. The Fisk brothers’ Helena Herald influenced Helena’s rise to territorial capital, achieved in 1875. In September 1870 Robert gifted this corner lot to Lizzie who pronounced it “one of the prettiest building sites in town.” Lizzie’s letters to her family back east provide details of the home-building. The Fisks completed the core of their residence in 1871, but before they left for California in 1902, the couple had expanded the home several times. The most significant renovation was in the mid-1890s when the Fisks built both a

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third story and the south addition. The home appears today as it did when the six Fisk children and extended family filled it. Lovely bay windows, simple rounded porch columns, and a hand-carved entry with original beveled glass reflect the period. Inside, conversion to apartments has not diminished the Victorian-era ambiance Lizzie carefully created. Original 1891 chandeliers, hardwood floors, and wood finishing are a credit to the fine details she documents in her correspondence.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1870.

Location. 46° 35.253′ N, 112° 1.987′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of North Rodney Street and East 7th Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Rodney Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 North Rodney Street, Helena MT 59601, United States of America.

Robert and Elizabeth Fisk Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Robert and Elizabeth Fisk Residence and Marker

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: Francis & Hannah Pope House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lyman-Neel Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Child Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor Leslie House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); C.B. Power Residence (about 400 feet away); Porter Flats (about 400 feet away); Sanders Home (about 400 feet away); 203 North Rodney Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 347 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.