Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Sanders House

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Sanders House Marker

Inscription. The murder trial and subsequent hanging of outlaw George Ives in 1863 won the courageous young prosecutor, Wilbur Fisk Sanders, an indelible place in Montana history. Sanders went on to play a key role in the creation of Montana Territory and served in the first Territorial Legislature. Acclaimed for his fiery speeches and passionate dedication to Montana's welfare, Sanders later gained national prominence as one of the state's first two senators (1890-1893). The Sanders family moved into this Carpenter Gothic style cottage in 1867. It must have been an oasis of refinement at a time when precious amenities like window glass were shipped by steamboat and freight wagon to the remote frontier. Indeed, Mrs. Sanders was said to have spread her fine carpets over dirt until the wood flooring could be laid. The interior has been lovingly maintained by its few owners and features original hand-grained woodwork, wood floors, window latches with porcelain insets and other cast hardware. This landmark home, reputedly Montana's oldest constantly inhabited residence, appears today almost as it did in the 1860s.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 45° 17.583′ N, 111° 56.579′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is on East Idaho Street near South Hamilton Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 118 East Idaho Street, Virginia City MT 59755, 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: Raymond House (a few steps from

Sanders House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Sanders House and Marker

this marker); Territorial Governor's Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Cole/Batten House (within shouting distance of this marker); C.W. Rank House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Paul's Elling Memorial Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis/Gohn House (within shouting distance of this marker); Gohn Residence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); C. L. Dahler House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Sanders House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

3. Sanders House

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 600 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 17, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.