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

Federal Building and Post Office

Bozeman Main Street Historical District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

1. Federal Building and Post Office Marker

Inscription. Cattle baron, banker, and entrepreneur Nelson Story purchased this site in 1870 for $154. In June 1911 the United States Secretary of the Treasury took the land from Nelson Story Jr. and his family citing that public use required taking and holding the property. The Storys received $7,500 in compensation and the right to move their dwelling off the site. In 1912, the U.S. government began construction of Bozeman’s first federal building. Completed in 1915, the Neoclassical style facility served as the post office until 1964. In 1999, the Human Resource Development Council renovated the building as a Community Services Center. Interior work restored the walk-in vaults, the postmaster’s hidden catwalks for monitoring postal workers, and a grand oak stairway. Original exterior features include the sandstone parapet cap and cornice molding, decorative columns beneath the two monumental arched windows, and cast-iron light posts flanking the entry. This solid, impressive structure has long been a focal point of Bozeman’s historical streetscape and recently served as a backdrop in the movie, A River Runs Through It.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1911.

Location. 45° 40.69′ N, 111° 2.18′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. It is at the intersection of East Babcock Avenue and South Tracy Avenue, on the left when traveling west on East Babcock Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 East Babcock Avenue, Belgrade MT 59714, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in 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: Bozeman YMCA (within shouting distance of

Federal Building and Post Office Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

2. Federal Building and Post Office Building and Marker

The marker is on a pedestal to the left of the steps.

this marker); Blackmore Apartments (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. James Episcopal Church and Rectory (about 400 feet away); Gallatin Block (about 400 feet away); Tivoli Beer Hall (about 500 feet away); Gallatin Lodge No. 6 A.F. & A.M (about 700 feet away); Dokken-Nelson Funeral Home (about 700 feet away); 213 East Olive (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bozeman.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 520 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.