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.
Virginia City School. This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District. 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 offices.
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 offices.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education
Location. 45° 17.621′ N, 111° 56.465′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. Marker 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.
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 173 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
