Charles S. Hartman Residence

Attorney Charles S. Hartman deserves a prominent place among Bozeman’s early residents. He opened a law practice in 1884 and with his wife Mollie built this home in 1886. Hartman carved a stellar career that included serving as a delegate to the 1889 Montana State Constitutional Convention, as U.S. Representative from 1893 to 1899, and as minister to Ecuador appointed by Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1922.

Hartman began his political career as a Republican, and then supported William Jennings Bryan as a Silver Republican before switching parties and serving as a delegate to the 1900 Democratic National Convention. The Hartmans’ Folk Victorian style home speaks to the later nineteenth century. Taking inspiration from the popular Queen Anne style, the asymmetrical floor plan originally included an open porch on the Willson approach.

The ghost marks of this feature are still visible on the brick façade. Imbricated shingles in the upper gable ends complement the brick while the tall, narrow, gently arched windows are typical of the period. The original front entry retains its overhead transom and etched glass side panels.