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

Hamilton House

Bon Ton Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

1. Hamilton House Marker

Inscription. Bozeman real estate and insurance broker Edward M. Gardner and city treasurer George Willson commissioned this extended family home in 1907. George was married to Edward’s stepdaughter Florence and the two families—including five Willson boys—shared the residence until 1910 when both Mr. and Mrs. Gardner passed away. The home incorporates key elements of the Queen Anne Free Classic style, such as the Doric columns on the porch and cornice returns on the gable roof. In 1920, the Willsons moved to the upscale Evergreen Apartments, and rancher Charles Anceney acquired the home as a winter residence. Professors James and Florence Hamilton bought the house in 1926. James was instrumental in establishing Montana State College (now University) in 1893, and Florence was one of the first women admitted. Serving as college president from 1904 to 1918 and dean of men from 1918 to 1940, James worked tirelessly to establish Montana State as an engineering school. Florence spent her career there too as a professor of domestic arts. She sold the house to her nephew in 1963 and, as of 2020, it remained in the family.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 45° 40.305′ N, 111° 2.339′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. It is on South Willson Avenue near West College Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 713 South Willson Avenue, 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: Burr Fisher House (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles S. Hartman Residence

Hamilton House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

2. Hamilton House and Marker

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert A. Cooley (about 300 feet away); Byron Story Mansion (about 400 feet away); 610 South Willson Avenue (about 400 feet away); Mendenhall Residence (about 600 feet away); Susan Kirk Residence (approx. ¼ mile away); Alcoa-Lewis Residence (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bozeman.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.