Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
E. L. Smith Store
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2016
1. E. L. Smith Store Marker
The design of this false-fronted wooden shop, built in 1863, includes hand hewn timbers and bay windows which are said to have been Montana's first "show windows.” The Star Billiard Hall was an early tenant, followed by a shoe dealer and in the 1870s, the "New York One Price Clothing House." E. L. Smith opened a dry goods store here in 1880 and later moved to the Merk Block, now the Pioneer Bar. Many items displayed here are from Smith's actual inventory, donated by the Smith family.
This property contributes to the Virginia City Historic District • Listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior • In cooperation with the Montana Historical Society
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 45° 17.584′ N, 111° 56.831′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. Marker is on West Wallace Street (State Highway 287) west of Jackson Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is a metal plaque, mounted at eye-level, directly
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ten Pin Alley Store (here, next to this marker); Elephant Auction House (a few steps from this marker); Blue Front Variety Store (a few steps from this marker); S. R. Buford & Company (a few steps from this marker); Assay Office (a few steps from this marker); Content's Corner (a few steps from this marker); Grub Stake (a few steps from this marker); The Buford Block (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2016
2. E. L. Smith Store (wide view; marker visible left of door)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2016
3. E. L. Smith Store (interior view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2016
4. E. L. Smith Store (interior view)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
