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

Virginia City School

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Virginia City School Marker

Inscription. Professor Thomas Dimsdale, author of The Vigilantes of Montana, opened the first school in the gold camp in fall 1863. In 1864, a log cabin, built where the Methodist Church now stands, served for preaching on Sundays and school during the week. There were eighty-one registered students. Virginia City School District #1 organized in January 1866, and the first public school in Montana Territory opened in March. Sarah Raymond Herndon, later Madison County superintendent of schools, was the first teacher. She paid $6.00 in “clean gold dust” to take an examination at home earning her teaching certificate. This school opened in January 1876. Designed by Loren Olds, architect of the Madison County Courthouse, the community built the four-room brick school for $8,400. It is one of Montana’s oldest surviving schoolhouses. A 1910 addition accommodated increased enrollment. A severe earthquake in 1959 necessitated the removal of its wooden bell tower and prompted installation of larger windows to the north and south. The school closed its historic doors to the last students in 1976. Today, the building houses City Hall and county

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offices.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 45° 17.621′ N, 111° 56.465′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is on East Idaho Street near Sprncer Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 311 East 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: Thexton

Virginia City School and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Virginia City School and Marker

The marker is at the corner of the building.

House (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia City (within shouting distance of this marker); Thompson-Hickman Library and Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Virginia City (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); C.W. Rank House (about 400 feet away); Cole/Batten House (about 400 feet away); Gilbert House (about 500 feet away); Raymond House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.