Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
I.G. Baker Home
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
1. I.G. Baker Home Marker
The original portion of this house, one of the oldest in Montana, was built for I.G. Baker in 1867. Early-day Fort Benton merchant Baker wanted a home, rather than the old fort for the birth of his expected child.
Constructed of rough-sawn lumber and hand-hewn beams, the house had adobe brick walls as much as three feet thick. The siding and porch were added in 1876 by W.G. Conrad, who bought out the Bakers in 1872.
Throughout the years military figures, political powers and powers-to-be were guests in this home. Among them was Acting Governor Thomas Francis Meagher who ate his final meal here before falling from the steamboat G.A. Thompson and drowning on July 2, 1867.
The last private owner William McLeish donated this historical building to the Fort Benton Community Improvement Association in 1969.
Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 47° 49.132′ N, 110° 39.964′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is on Front Street near 17th Street, on the right when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Choteau House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named I.G. Baker Home (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Choteau House (a few steps from this marker); T.C. Power Dry Goods Store (within shouting distance of this marker); H.J. Wackerlin Hardware Company (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. I.G. Baker Home Marker, inverse
Captions: (top right) Issac G. Baker; (bottom right) Gov. Thomas F. Meagher.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
3. I.G. Baker Home and Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
4. I.G. Baker Home
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 154 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 7, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
