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

Chessman Flats

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Chessman Flats Marker

Inscription. Helena entrepreneur William Chessman built these exemplary Queen Anne style townhouse apartments in 1891 while in residence across Sixth Avenue at 304 North Ewing. Gables, bays, and a rounded turret handsomely demonstrate the architectural exuberance of the period when Helena earned the nickname “Queen City of the Rockies.” The five, three-story units were designed by T. F. Mathias for upper-class tenants. Mathias and his partner, Frederick Heinlein, designed many impressive Helena buildings including the Iron Front Hotel, Masonic Temple, and the former Jewish synagogue at 515 North Ewing. The row houses represent a trend toward multi-family living as space became limited and Helena’s population grew. Chessman was a California “49er” who came to Montana with the gold rush and settled in Helena in 1865. He owned mining interests, developed real estate, and was a key player in the development of Helena’s early water system. The Chessman Reservoir still carries his name. Chessman and his wife Penelope retired to one of his town houses after 1900. Other well-known Helena tenants included New York Store owner Herman Fligelman

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and Montana Supreme Court Justice Theodore Brantly.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 46° 35.244′ N, 112° 2.112′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on North Ewing Street near East 6th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 214 N Ewing St, 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: Sixth Avenue Apartment (within shouting

Chessman Flats and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Chessman Flats and Marker

distance of this marker); Jose H.K. Toole Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Governor's Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Fifth Avenue Apartment House (within shouting distance of this marker); C.B. Power Residence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Child Carriage House (about 300 feet away); Kleinschmidt Block (about 300 feet away); Sanders Home (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Chessman Flats Apartment image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

3. Chessman Flats Apartment

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 677 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.