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

Anna Lyon
⎯⎯⎯
McKeen Place

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Anna Lyon / McKeen Place Marker

Inscription. Martin and Anna Lyon came to Virginia City by covered wagon in 1864 and settled into this small dwelling. Martin, a successful tailor, was on his way home in January of 1865 when thieves attacked and fatally struck him over the head. A blizzard prevented discovery of his body until three days later. He was buried on boot hill at the same time as three outlaws and due to this confusion, his grave was unmarked. Anna kept the family home, supporting her two sons as a domestic and later as a boardinghouse keeper. The 1880 census records that Anna’s eight male boarders included a 14-year-old student, a teacher, three carpenters, a surveyor, and a farmer. Lodgers likely crowded into the small building at the back. In 1905, newlyweds Frank and Amanda McKeen bought the house. Frank was a well-known saloon keeper and proprietor of the Anaconda Hotel (now the Fairweather Inn). This unassuming little dwelling, located on what was once the edge of Virginia City’s Chinatown, is a significant part of the National Landmark.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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

Location. 45° 17.653′ N, 111° 56.769′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is on West Cover Street near Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 West Clover 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: Conrey Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Leander Frary House (within shouting distance of this marker);

Anna Lyon / McKeen Place and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Anna Lyon / McKeen Place and Marker

Old Masonic Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); Pfouts and Russel (within shouting distance of this marker); Elling Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Metropolitan Meat Market (about 300 feet away); Saving Montana''s History (about 300 feet away); Virginia City in the 1940s - a New Beginning (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 20, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.

Anna Lyon⎯⎯⎯McKeen Place

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Anna Lyon
⎯⎯⎯
McKeen Place