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

Boot Hill

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

1. Boot Hill Marker

Inscription. This was Virginia City’s first Cemetery. There were many markers here, but only those of the road agents and Daltons remain. The road agent’s graves, which gave the Cemetery its name Boot Hill, were first marked by the city in 1907. William & Clara Dalton were no relation to the notorious gang nor connected with the road agents. The arrived in Bannack in 1862 with Captain James L. Fisk’s first wagon train and moved to Virginia City in 1863. William & Clara died of natural caused in January 1864, leaving four children. The grave was marked by a Granddaughter many years later

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1864.

Location. 45° 17.691′ N, 111° 56.894′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. The Boot Hill Cemetery is located on a hill just north of town. Access is by way of Van Buren or Spencer Street. Walking suggested. 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. Henderson's Paint Shop (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Conrey Place (about 400 feet away); Sim Ferguson Cabin (about 500 feet away); Frisch/Ferguson Cabin (about 500 feet away); Thexton House

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(about 500 feet away); Anna Lyon / McKeen Place (about 600 feet away); Strasburger’s Colorado Store (about 600 feet away); Kramer Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Regarding Boot Hill. Many folk were reluctant to place there loved ones next to the five road agents, so a “New” cemetery was opened and many graves were soon moved there. The graves of the five road agents were marked in 1899 by The Society of Montana Pioneers.

Also see . . . Clubfoot George - Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Additional keywords. lynching, vigilantes

The Markers for the Five Road Agents. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

2. The Markers for the Five Road Agents.

The markers read, left to right, Frank Parish, Jack Gallager,Boone Helm, Hays Lyons and George Lane; all hanged January 14, 1864.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

3. The Markers for the Five Road Agents.

The Boot Hill marker for William & Clara Dalton image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

4. The Boot Hill marker for William & Clara Dalton

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,117 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 13, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.