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

Thomas Francis Meagher Residence

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Thomas Francis Meager Residence Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Thomas Francis Meager Residence Marker

Inscription. General Thomas Francis Meagher, political activist in his native Ireland and American Civil War hero, stepped into a political maelstrom when he came to Montana in September 1865. As the first territorial secretary appointed by President Andrew Johnson, Meagher soon became acting governor and lived here on Idaho Street during his tenure in the territorial capital. He was a brilliant orator and a dashing, controversial figure amongst stormy partisan loyalties. Meagher’s career ended abruptly when he mysteriously disappeared from the deck of a steamship at Fort Benton on July 1, 1867. His widow searched the river’s edges in vain for his body, but his fate remains unknown. With her husband’s whereabouts unresolved, Mrs. Meagher purchased their Virginia City home and returned East. The landmark dwelling burned circa 1905. Charles Bovey reconstructed the residence of square-hewn logs on its original site in 1945. The Helena Ancient Order of Hibernians, Thomas Francis Meagher Division, adopted and will maintain this important residence.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker

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is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1867.

Location. 45° 17.549′ N, 111° 56.757′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is on West Idaho Street near Jackson Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 West 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: Thomas Francis Meager (here, next to this marker); Tootle, Leach & Company Warehouse (a few steps from this marker); Hargrave/Vanderbeck House

Thomas Francis Meager Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Thomas Francis Meager Residence and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Susie Marr House (within shouting distance of this marker); Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Corbett House (within shouting distance of this marker); Belgium, Paris, New York, St. Louis, Virginia City (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Madison County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Thomas Francis Meager image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

3. Thomas Francis Meager

Lithograph by N. Currier, c1848

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on January 16, 2024, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.