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

Jose H.K. Toole Mansion

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Jose H.K. Toole Mansion Marker

Inscription. During his second term of office in 1903, Montana’s first governor J. K. Toole commissioned Eugene Fisk to build this magnificent home of locally quarried red porphyry and brick. Fisk, who also designed the 1880s Unitarian Church (now Grandstreet Theatre), added exquisite interior finishings and an unusual simulated tile roof of galvanized sheet metal. The residence served as executive mansion during Governor Toole’s third term from 1904 to 1908. The Toole family had been in residence a short time when the escape of a prisoner from the nearby jail precipitated a gun battle. The escapee tried to take refuge in the Toole’s basement, but instead took his own life in the basement stairwell. The home was a private residence until the Catholic Diocese assumed ownership, housing scores of Cuban refugees here in the early 1960s, and, later, Carroll College students. Since 1979, the resident law firm has carefully refurbished and maintained this elegant corner landmark.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics

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• Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program, and the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series lists.

Location. 46° 35.224′ N, 112° 2.112′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of North Ewing Street and East 5th Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Ewing Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 North Ewing 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: Chessman Flats (within shouting distance of this marker); Fifth Avenue Apartment House (within shouting

Jose H.K. Toole Mansion and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Jose H.K. Toole Mansion and Marker

distance of this marker); Sixth Avenue Apartment (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Governor's Mansion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rodney Street News (about 300 feet away); Child Carriage House (about 300 feet away); Lewis and Clark County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); 203 North Rodney Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Additional keywords. gun battle

Jose H.K. Toole Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

3. Jose H.K. Toole Mansion

Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.