Anaconda in Deer Lodge County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Anaconda City Hall

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2022

1. Anaconda City Hall Marker

Inscription. Copper magnate Marcus Daly had great expectations for Anaconda when the town was platted in 1883, hoping one day the town would become Montana’s capital. It was with that goal in mind that plans for a magnificent city hall were conceived. Architects Lane and Reber of Butte, winners of a competition for the building’s design, drew the blueprints for the symbolically and historically significant civic landmark, completed in 1896. Built in a “straightforward manner … using local materials,” the architects employed pressed brick, Anaconda granite, and Anaconda copper trim. The complex design illustrates the passionate eclecticism of the late Victorian era, incorporating elements of a variety of styles. A massive corner tower, bays, and pavilioned entrance visually define the original separate functions of the building: city government, fire hall, and police department. Contrasts of round and square forms serve to augment these divisions. Classical detailing, Roman and Romanesque style arches, Moorish “keyhole” windows, Gothic tracery, and a Chateauesque style roof capping one of the bays are a visual feast and showcase local

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craftsmanship. Abandoned in 1976 and slated for demolition, the building was rescued by local citizens in 1978. Though a clock tower housing the fire bell was removed, the rehabilitated City Hall Cultural Center is once again a thriving and impressive source of civic pride.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 46° 7.77′ N, 112° 56.891′ W. Marker is in Anaconda, Montana, in Deer Lodge County. It is at the intersection of 401 East Commercial Avenue and Cedar Street, on the left when traveling west on 401 East Commercial Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: East Commercial Avenue, Anaconda MT 59711, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally,

Anaconda City Hall and Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2022

2. Anaconda City Hall and Historical Marker

This is a Cherry Street view of Anaconda City Hall. The marker is on a stand facing East Commercial Avenue at the lefthand edge of the photograph.

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: Cohen Block/Park Motors (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schmidt Plumbing (about 300 feet away); 408 East Park Avenue (about 300 feet away); Barich Block (about 400 feet away); Imperial Meat Market (about 400 feet away); Commercial Historic District (about 400 feet away); Davidson Building (about 500 feet away); Thorsen Brothers Grocery (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anaconda.

Anaconda City Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2022

3. Anaconda City Hall

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2022

4. Anaconda City Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 7, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.