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

Cole/Batten House

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Cole/Batten House Marker

Inscription. This early home, built circa 1868 by C. E. Hill, was reputedly the site of Virginia City’s first Chinese wedding. The two-story section was originally finished in vertical siding, the eaves were trimmed in fancy latticework, and a small porch sheltered the entry. The back sections and wraparound veranda were added well before 1900. The front door, original interior hardware, and parlor windows (likely packed in sawdust and shipped via steamboat and overland by ox-drawn freight wagon) remain intact. The Ella Cole family owned the property from 1873 to 1937 when it was sold to B. F. Williams. Richard and Clida Batten Fristedt bought the home in 1947. The family of Clida’s first husband, Evan Batten, was one of the first to settle in Nevada City in the 1850s. The property eventually passed to Evan and Clida’s daughter, Evalyn, and her husband, Richard Johnson. In 1992, the Johnsons meticulously restored the home to its nineteenth-century appearance, and it is today a prominent feature of this landmark Virginia City neighborhood.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is

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listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 45° 17.588′ N, 111° 56.552′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of East Idaho Street and Hamilton Street, on the left when traveling west on East Idaho Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 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 this marker); C.W. Rank House

Cole/Batten House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Cole/Batten House and Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Sanders House (within shouting distance of this marker); Territorial Governor's Mansion (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); St. Paul's Elling Memorial Episcopal Church (about 300 feet away); Virginia City (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.