Bozeman in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Gallatin Lodge No. 6 A.F. & A.M

Bozeman Main Street Historical District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

1. Gallatin Lodge No. 6 A.F. & A.M Marker

Inscription. Chartered in 1866, Gallatin Masonic Lodge No. 6 built this brick corner block in 1883 for an estimated $20,000, then a princely sum. The grandest of several buildings erected during the early 1880s following the arrival of the railroad, this Masonic temple was constructed despite an earlier schism among Bozeman’s Masons caused by opposing Civil War sympathies. Accusations that “only the sons of members or Confederates could gain admission to the Gallatin Lodge” led to the creation of Bozeman Lodge No. 18 in 1872, and both lodges struggled with small memberships. Nevertheless, the two lodges remained friendly, and the Bozeman Lodge also sometimes used this meeting hall. The Masons rented the first floor to various businesses, including Bozeman National Bank. Although the exterior of the building has been modernized, the Masons still meet on the second floor. The original carpet, imported from England in 1884 and intricately woven with Masonic symbols, remains in place. The horse sign, installed in 1968 atop the marquee to advertise a first-floor clothing store, is now a Bozeman landmark.

Erected by Montana Historical

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Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 45° 40.765′ N, 111° 2.066′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. It can be reached from East Main Street near North Rouse Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 137 East Main Street, Bozeman MT 59715, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Yellowstone 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: 226-232 East Main (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bozeman Carnegie Library

Gallatin Lodge No. 6 and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

2. Gallatin Lodge No. 6 and Marker

(about 300 feet away); Gallatin Block (about 400 feet away); Bozeman Comes of Age (about 400 feet away); Early Bozeman (about 400 feet away); Bozeman Hotel Annex (about 500 feet away); Electric Block (about 500 feet away); Tivoli Beer Hall (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bozeman.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 702 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.