Twin Bridges in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Pavilion

Madison County Fair Grounds Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

1. Pavilion Marker

Inscription. WPA engineer C. D. Paxton designed this impressive octagonal community building as part of the federally funded project to rebuild the fairground in 1936. Master log craftsman Tosten Stenberg of WPA headquarters in Livingston supervised the building. The primary construction material is lodgepole pine, chosen for its uniformity and harvested at nearby Ramshorn Creek. Logs are bias-cut and saddle-notched. Poles radiating from a central lantern form the interior rafters and afford a floor space of one hundred feet in diameter. Besides serving as the main hall during fair time, the Pavilion has long been a favorite place for building memories, hosting hundreds of local events. Dances, wedding receptions, family reunions, church functions, political rallies, flea markets, organizational Christmas parties, and even winter roller skating serve to perpetuate the community spirit that built this Madison County treasure.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 45° 32.596′ N, 112° 20.003′ W. Marker is in Twin Bridges, Montana, in Madison County. It is on Fairgrounds Loop Road near State Highway 41. The Pavilion is located at the Madison County Fairgrounds on the west side of the Beaverhead River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Twin Bridges MT 59754, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining 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: Which way did they go? (within shouting distance of this marker); Recognizing her people's land (within shouting distance of this marker); "...a handsome little river..." (within shouting

Pavilion and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

2. Pavilion and Marker

The marker is to the right of the entrance.

distance of this marker); Jefferson River - Beaverhead River (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison County Fairgrounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Square Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacajawea, "Pomp" and Seaman (within shouting distance of this marker); Road Agent Trail (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Twin Bridges.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 319 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 4, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.