Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Parsons House

University Area Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

1. Parsons House Marker

Inscription. Christopher P. Higgins, a Missoula founder, bought 160 acres in 1887 in this area now known as the Montana Addition. He died in 1889 before the southside building boom, but in his will Higgins directed his heirs to complete unfinished housing constructed on speculation. In 1893, this house—completed circa 1892—and the unimproved lot next door sold for $3,000, nearly twice what Higgins had paid for the entire quarter section six years before. Dr. William Buchanan Parsons purchased the property in 1898. The doctor, a leading surgeon and partner in the Parsons and Brown Hospital, cared for patients in far-flung communities and the Flathead Indian reservation. From 1929 to the 1960s, the family of Northern Pacific foreman Claude Marcyes resided in the home. Marcyes served as longtime historian for the Montana Pioneer Society. The regal Queen Anne style residence features gables, patterned chimneys, and a grand tower-like dormer. Spindlework, decorative eave brackets, and fish-scale shingles further embellish this “painted lady.” In 1995, the beautifully maintained neighborhood landmark received a Missoula Historic Preservation

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Award.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 46° 52.015′ N, 113° 59.792′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on South 5th Street East near Ronald Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 231 South 5th Street East, Missoula MT 59801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

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: Charles E. Johnson Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Elrod Residence

Parsons House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

2. Parsons House and Marker

The marker is embedded in the lawn to the right of the walkway.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Patterson Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Milwaukee Depot (about 500 feet away); A Shortcut (about 800 feet away); Danger Ahead! (about 800 feet away); Name That River (about 800 feet away); Northwest Passage (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.