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

Lewis/Gohn House

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Lewis/Gohn House Marker

Inscription. During restoration of this modest dwelling, built in 1864 by J. M. Lewis and later owned by the Gohn family, its unusual construction came to light. Hand-planed planks finely crafted with key joints in between, posts of hand-hewn timbers, and ceiling joists notched to the wall plate with half-dovetailed joints allowed construction without nails. The planks are numbered for ease of assembly. This post-and-plank method is similar to period grain mill construction, and it is possible that the building was disassembled elsewhere and freighted here for reuse. Lewis, who also built three identical houses to the west, apparently harbored a well-kept secret. Inscriptions preserved on the interior walls reveal that he and his friends were Union sympathizers in a town of staunch Confederate supporters.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 45° 17.621′ N, 111° 56.585′ W.

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Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is on East Wallace Street near Broadway Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 134 East Wallace 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: Gohn Residence (a few steps from this marker); C. L. Dahler House (within shouting distance of this marker); Territorial Governor's Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Gilbert House (within shouting distance of this marker); Raymond House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sanders House (within shouting distance of this marker);

Lewis/Gohn House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Lewis/Gohn House and Marker

C.W. Rank House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cole/Batten House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.