Deer Lodge in Powell County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

William E. Coleman House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

1. William E. Coleman House Marker

Inscription. Seventeen-year-old William Coleman joined the Union ranks of Ohio’s volunteer infantry during the Civil War and then, drawn by tales of gold, came west with his brother Lewis in 1866. Although trained as a carriage blacksmith, Coleman preferred prospecting and mining until injury from a falling timber ended that career. Coleman came to Deer Lodge where he opened a general merchandise business in October of 1871. The store long prospered and Coleman became a vital community leader. He was instrumental in organizing the city water system and helped found the electric company, serving as its vice president. He and his wife Lucy constructed this Victorian-era showplace in 1891-1892. Designed by architects Ameryre and Thori of Superior, Wisconsin, and St. Paul, Minnesota, the magnificent home illustrates the Victorian passion for eclectic details. A wraparound veranda enhanced with spindlework, soaring paneled chimneys, decorative brickwork, and more than a dozen exquisite stained glass windows highlight the Queen Anne style mansion. Exceptional interior features include golden oak woodwork milled in Wisconsin, fireplaces with

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

ornately carved mantles and imported tile, and an elegant paneled stairway richly embellished with spindles and coffering. A hand-carved pineapple newel post, the symbol of hospitality, welcomes guests. As the only well-preserved Victorian-era home in Deer Lodge, the Coleman House is a visual cornerstone of the community and a testament to the importance of its original owner.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1871.

Location. 46° 23.922′ N, 112° 43.899′ W. Marker is in Deer Lodge, Montana, in Powell County. It is at the intersection of Missouri Avenue and 5th Street, on the right when traveling east on Missouri Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Missouri Avenue, Deer Lodge MT 59722, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

William E. Coleman House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

2. William E. Coleman House and Marker

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: William K. Kohrs Memorial Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. John Mullan Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 304 Cottonwood (about 800 feet away); Larabie Brothers Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Thompson Photo Shop (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S. Post Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); Masonic Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mitchell Block (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deer Lodge.

William E. Coleman House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

3. William E. Coleman House

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 490 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.