Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
The Choteau House
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
1. The Choteau House Marker
Originally a pretentious two-story frame hotel familiar to all rivermen, the Choteau House was built in the spring of 1868. T.C. Power and I.G. Baker constructed the building between their businesses to rival Overland up the street.
At first operated by Mrs. Thwing, it was called the Thwing House until 1879 when Jere Sullivan arrived from Sun River and opened it as the Chouteau House. The structure also served as a military officer's quarter, with a convenient adobe annex for its saloon. When rival John Power rebuilt in brick in 1900, Sullivan followed with a two-story brick in 1903. The third floor was added in 1910 during the homestead boom. Jere Sullivan departed this world in 1919, leaving Fort Benton without its "ambassador of good-will and Irish charm," Clarence McCauley married his widow and ran the hotel until 1944.
Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 47° 49.136′ N, 110° 39.951′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is at the intersection of Front Street and 17th Street, on the right
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Choteau House (a few steps from this marker); I.G. Baker Home (a few steps from this marker); T.C. Power Dry Goods Store (a few steps from this marker); H.J. Wackerlin Hardware Company (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named I.G. Baker Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Francis Meager (within shouting distance of this marker); Drowning of the Governor (within shouting distance of this marker); T.C. Power Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.
More about this marker. This marker is located in Fort Benton's riverside park.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
2. The Choteau House Marker, inverse
Captions: (lower left) The New Choteau Horse, Fort Benton, Mont. Third Story Added; (upper right) Jere Sullivan; The Original Building - Built in 1968 (sic); (lower right) New Brick Building - 1893.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
3. The Choteau House and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 7, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
