Bozeman in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Gallatin Block
Bozeman Main Street Historical District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021
1. Gallatin Block Marker
Inscription.
Gallatin Block. Bozeman Main Street Historical District. A livery and feed stable stood here in the 1880s and 1890s, but in 1901, William Nevitt, hardware store owner and “capitalist,” decided that downtown Bozeman could use more commercial space. The Avant Courier reported on the progress of his new business block: “the basement walls … are going up as if by magic.” To expedite construction, Nevitt imported “dressed stone for sills, watertables, etc, from the east … When Mr. Nevitt starts in on any important enterprise he usually carries it through with a rush.” Nevitt had the building’s name, the Gallatin, carved in stone. Other historic elements include the cornerstone, marked 1901, and the diamond pattern of raised brick (called corbelling) on the upper façade. The Fair Department Store originally occupied the ground floor atop a small corner barbershop in the basement. Advertising itself as “the place to save money,” the Fair sold clothing, including coats, shoes, and corsets, as well as household linens, chimney lamps, and coal hods. After 1927, a confectionery (candy store) and a clothing store shared the main floor. Tenants, including renowned Bozeman architect Fred Willson, occupied second-floor offices.
A livery and feed stable stood here in the 1880s and 1890s, but in 1901, William Nevitt, hardware store owner and “capitalist,” decided that downtown Bozeman could use more commercial space. The Avant Courier reported on the progress of his new business block: “the basement walls … are going up as if by magic.” To expedite construction, Nevitt imported “dressed stone for sills, watertables, etc, from the east … When Mr. Nevitt starts in on any important enterprise he usually carries it through with a rush.” Nevitt had the building’s name, the Gallatin, carved in stone. Other historic elements include the cornerstone, marked 1901, and the diamond pattern of raised brick (called corbelling) on the upper façade. The Fair Department Store originally occupied the ground floor atop a small corner barbershop in the basement. Advertising itself as “the place to save money,” the Fair sold clothing—including coats, shoes, and corsets—as well as household linens, chimney lamps, and coal hods. After 1927, a confectionery (candy store) and a clothing store shared the main floor. Tenants, including renowned Bozeman architect Fred Willson, occupied second-floor offices.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
Location. 45° 40.753′ N, 111° 2.159′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and South Black Avenue, on the left when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 40-42 East Main Street, Bozeman MT 59715, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The marker is near the corner on the Black Avenue side of the building.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
