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

Porter Flats

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Porter Flats Marker

Inscription. The Northern Pacific finally extended its tracks to Helena in 1883, and the town became increasingly cosmopolitan. Pioneer real estate developer James Porter constructed this very stylish apartment building in 1884, the first of many multifamily dwellings built to accommodate a rapidly growing population. The building demonstrates the construction techniques used and the high quality achieved in the bustling, booming Helena of the 1880s. Twin bays, a central entry, wide eaves, and hipped rooflines reflect the Italianate style while a well-crafted stone foundation, red brick veneer, and tall arched windows mirror local contemporary commercial construction. Fancy floral-designed vergeboards that originally adorned the gables, ornately carved window heads, and decorative brackets reflect the growing availability of prefabricated building materials. The well-appointed building allowed fashionable yet affordable living, with each of the six units boasting a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, and dining room. Interior elegance remains today in the decorative newel post, balusters, and carved trim with corner rosettes. First

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tenants included a doctor, a lawyer, a minister, a mining superintendent, and the five Misses Nagel, whose “private dining room … in Porter’s Flat” was one of Helena’s favorite eating establishments. Severely damaged during the 1935 earthquakes and condemned in 1988, Porter Flats was rehabilitated between 1989 and 1991 by its new owner. Today this neighborhood treasure is an integral thread in the historic fabric of early Helena.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 46° 35.302′ N, 112° 2.035′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on North Ewing Street near East 7th Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 335 North Ewing Street, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana

Porter Flats Apartments image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Porter Flats Apartments

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: Sanders Home (within shouting distance of this marker); C.B. Power Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Child Carriage House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Original Governor's Mansion (about 300 feet away); Francis & Hannah Pope House (about 300 feet away); Robert and Elizabeth Fisk Residence (about 400 feet away); Lyman-Neel Residence (about 400 feet away); Sixth Avenue Apartment (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Porter Flats image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Rozzelle, September 4, 2025

3. Porter Flats

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on September 10, 2025, by David Rozzelle of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Mid-distance view of the marker and building. • Can you help?