Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Lewis and Clark County Jail

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 13, 2009

1. Lewis and Clark County Jail Marker

Inscription. Masterful stonework of local granite in Romanesque style creates a somber effect in this 1890 institution. The corner tower (which lost its battlements in the 1935 earthquake), thick stone lintels and heavy arches recall the romantic nineteenth century notion that a structure's appearance should match its function. This unusual and evocative building with its powerful medieval quality was designed by the Helena firm of Paulson and McConnell under contract with the Detroit Safe and Lock Company. It continued to serve as the county jail until the early 1980s.

this property contributes to the Helena Historic District - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United State Department of Interior in cooperation with the Montana Historical Society

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 46° 35.148′ N, 112° 2.151′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

North Ewing Street north of E Broadway Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 N Ewing Street, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Gold West 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: Lewis and Clark County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph E. Allen Livery (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry M. Parchen Residence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rodney Hotel (about 300 feet away); Weinstein Grocery Store (about 300 feet away); Woodman S. Paynter House (about 400 feet away); Martin M. Holter House (about 400 feet away); Rodney Street News (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 19, 2014

2. Lewis and Clark County Jail & Marker

Now the Myrna Loy Art Center

of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.