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.
Federal Building and Post Office. Bozeman Main Street Historical District. 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.
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 Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications •
Location. 45° 40.69′ N, 111° 2.18′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker 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.
2. Federal Building and Post Office Building and Marker
The marker is on a pedestal to the left of the steps.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
