Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Corbett House
This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022
1. Corbett House Marker
Inscription.
Corbett House. This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District. The cozy placement of the Corbett and Daems houses has long been a mystery in Virginia City. The log Corbett house was likely built in summer 1863, and the Daems house by early 1864. No records exist explaining why these two middle-class homes sit so close together but remained separate homes with separate owners (with no adjoining door) for over 140 years. Although Virginia City was formally platted (divided into lots) by July 1863, miners and merchants weren’t worried about city planning. Within eight months of the first gold strike, more than five hundred buildings sprang up, without regard to lot lines or setbacks. With land in high demand, many of Virginia City’s early residences abutted others as a space-saving measure. Early owners of this home included an actress, county surveyor John Corbett, and watchmaker Norris Butler and his family. By 1952, preservationist Charles Bovey owned both houses, which remained in use for paint storage for more than fifty years. In 2007, the Montana Heritage Commission introduced an interior door during restoration, finally connecting the two houses.
The cozy placement of the Corbett and Daems houses has long been a mystery in Virginia City. The log Corbett house was likely built in summer 1863, and the Daems house by early 1864. No records exist explaining why these two middle-class homes sit so close together but remained separate homes with separate owners (with no adjoining door) for over 140 years. Although Virginia City was formally platted (divided into lots) by July 1863, miners and merchants weren’t worried about city planning. Within eight months of the first gold strike, more than five hundred buildings sprang up, without regard to lot lines or setbacks. With land in high demand, many of Virginia City’s early residences abutted others as a space-saving measure. Early owners of this home included an actress, county surveyor John Corbett, and watchmaker Norris Butler and his family. By 1952, preservationist Charles Bovey owned both houses, which remained in use for paint storage for more than fifty years. In 2007, the Montana Heritage Commission introduced an interior door during restoration, finally connecting the two houses.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1863.
Location. 45°
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17.565′ N, 111° 56.703′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. Marker is at the intersection of East Idaho Street and Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling west on East Idaho Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 West Idaho Street, Virginia City MT 59755, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on September 17, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
