Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

1. Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop Marker

Inscription. A notorious dance hall was the original occupant of this 1863 building which encompasses a small cabin of V-notched logs, one of the first built in June of that year. Tall French doors and a few dentils clinging to the facade recall its former dance hall elegance. Converted to a blacksmith shop in the 1870s, Charles Saurbier and his son Karl operated the business until the 1940s. In the early years, Saurbier repaired stage coaches and shod the ox teams that pulled huge freight wagons of goods. Original tools and machinery are still in place, and various additions chronicle the building’s history in boards, nails and labor. 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

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° 17.575′ N, 111° 56.868′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. Marker is on Wallace Street. The Saurbier Blacksmith Shop is located on the south side of Wallace Street, between Main and Jackson Streets.

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Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia City MT 59755, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Virginia City National Historic Landmark District (here, next to this marker); Frank Prasch Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); S.L. Simpson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); J.F. Stoer Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); The Buford Block (within shouting distance of this marker); S. R. Buford & Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Dance and Stuart Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Kramer Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

2. Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop

The Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop is on the left, the marker is just visible behind the black SUV.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

3. Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

4. Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop

Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop (<i>front view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2016

5. Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop (front view)

Virginia City Water Wagon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009

6. Virginia City Water Wagon

Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 590 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 11, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on May 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 6. submitted on November 11, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.