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

Bluestone House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Bluestone House Marker

Inscription. Legend has it that architect James F. Stranahan built this striking residence of locally quarried blue granite for his bride, Leona, in 1889. Stranahan died, however, leaving the home unfinished. Records do show that Leona briefly owned the property, which subsequently changed hands many times. Its curious location overlooking what was once the heart of Helena’s red-light district has led to much speculation and misidentification. Although some like to tell a different story, records show the building was never anything other than a residence. The 1935 earthquakes caused extensive structural damage, and for several decades the prominent landmark was considered an “attractive ruin.” Finally, the 1970s Urban Renewal Historic Preservation Committee secured funding that made restoration possible. (Each stone was numbered, dismantled, and put back together again.) Massive, blocky masonry contrasts sharply with the decorative tower, oriel window, and copper trim, making the Bluestone House a unique Helena treasure.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these

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topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 35.091′ N, 112° 2.38′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It can be reached from South Warren Street near Miller Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 80 South Warren 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: Fire Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Helena South-Central Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Helena

Bluestone House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Bluestone House and Marker

The marker is on the left under the tree.

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Discovery at Last Chance Gulch (about 400 feet away); Uncle Sam's Block (about 400 feet away); California Wine House (about 500 feet away); Earthquakes of 1935 (about 500 feet away); Boston Block (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Additional keywords. urban renewal

Bluestone House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

3. Bluestone House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

4. Bluestone House

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 723 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.