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

Thexton House

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Thexton House Marker

Inscription. Blacksmith George Thexton and his first wife Nancy emigrated from England in 1855 and settled in Wisconsin. Golden opportunity prompted him to leave Nancy and their four children for Montana Territory in 1964. George returned east and brought his family to Virginia City in 1867 where he set up shop. He made southern Montana's first plows out of carriage springs. He also made augers and tools used to drill the log pipes for the town's early water system. By 1871, George owned the Star Livery Stable and, in1872, he established the Thexton Cattle Ranch in the Madison Valley. Three more children were born in Virginia City, but two of them, ages five and eight, died of diphtheria in 1878 and 1879. At about that time, George built this simple one-and-one-half-story dwelling on property he owned. Constructed of V-notched round logs with a gable roof and board-and-batten gable ends, it probably housed the Thexton family. George also built the frame dwelling next door. In 1884, George built a fine stone home on Idaho Street, which became the family home.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Immigration. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 45° 17.613′ N, 111° 56.957′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is on West Cover Street near Wallace Street when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 408 West Cover 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: Frisch/Ferguson Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Sim Ferguson Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Fight of the Century and Flour Riots

Thexton House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Thexton House and Marker

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alder Gulch Short Line Depot (about 300 feet away); Green Front Boarding House (about 300 feet away); Dance and Stuart Store (about 300 feet away); Henderson's Paint Shop (about 400 feet away); Smith & Boyd Livery Stable (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

3. Thexton House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 363 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 20, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.