Territorial Governor's Mansion
Inscription
When President Grant named Benjamin F. Potts of Ohio governor of the Territory of Montana in 1870, it was to this modest home that the new governor came to begin serving his appointment. Virginia City was then the territorial capital, and this small residence served as the “governor’s mansion” for the first three years of Pott’s twelve-year stint (a longer term than any other territorial governor).
Potts was a large and powerfully built man, who must have appeared gigantic in this diminutive dwelling. The unassuming frame house, demurely adorned with decorative bargeboards and perched on a terrace bordered by a balustraded stonewall, has changed little since it was built in 1864 by J. M. Lewis.
Lewis, who was its first occupant, also built the houses next door on either side.
Location
Sources
More markers in Madison
Lewis / Mc Kay House
Virginia City, MT
J. M. Lewis built two small frame dwellings and two others to the east atop this terraced ridge in 1864.
J.S. Rockfellow House
Virginia City, MT
The “finest house in Montana Territory” was completed in time for the wedding reception of prominent Virginia MT NATIONAL REGISTER SIGN...
Methodist Church
Virginia City, MT
The Methodists established Virginia City’s first church at Jackson and Cover Streets in 1864.
Doncaster Round Barn: "Round Barn at Twin Bridges"
Twin Bridges, MT
Noah Armstrong established Doncaster Stable in Twin Bridges to take advantage of the Jefferson River Valley's ample water and rich soil.
F.R. Merk Block
Virginia City, MT
Gold dust was the common currency when George Higgins built this sturdy “fire-proof stone” business block circa 1866.