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

Adams Block

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 26, 2021

1. Adams Block Marker

Inscription. John Quincy Adams of the Milwaukee Land Company, a subsidiary of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway, platted the present town of Three Forks in 1908. Unlike most railroad officials, Adams and his son, B. S. Adams, took an unusual personal interest in the town’s development. Foundations were laid for the J. Q. Adams Block in 1916. In March 1918, the Three Forks Herald finally reported completion proclaiming it “one of the most beautiful [buildings] in the State.” The Neo-classical style building represents what might today line Three Forks’ commercial district had drought, World War I, and depression not intervened. Elegant brickwork and sophisticated proportion reflect the talents of an anonymous, finely trained architect. A significant representative example of early twentieth century “modern” local architecture, the clean lines and symmetry contrast sharply with Three Forks’ earlier, more heavily ornamented commercial buildings. The upper façade remains unchanged. The first ground-floor occupants were the Robertson Jewelry and Drug Company and the Adams’ Three Forks Land Company. A private men’s social club occupied

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the second floor. Members played billiards and pool in a large arched open space surrounded by oak panels. The club had a kitchen, dining area, and quarters for the live-in steward. The billiards room and sitting room with fireplace remain intact on the second floor. The tin ceiling, mosaic floor tiles, and two vaults survive on the main floor. The exterior masonry and windows are as originally designed except the tin storefront and glass were removed and “modernized” in 1972.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 45° 53.593′ N, 111° 33.13′ W. Marker is in Three Forks, Montana, in Gallatin County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and East Cedar Street, on the right when traveling west on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 South Main Street2, Three Forks MT 59752, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Adams Block and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 26, 2021

2. Adams Block and Marker

this marker is in Yellowstone Country

and in Greater Bozeman.

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: Three Valleys State Bank (a few steps from this marker); Ruby Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Methodist Episcopal Church, Three Forks (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sacajawea (about 700 feet away); In Patriotic Memory of Sacajawea (about 700 feet away); Sacajawea Hotel (about 800 feet away); Thunder Horses (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Three Forks.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.