Thexton House

Thexton House. This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District. 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.