This is the oldest building in Helena, the state capitol of Montana. It was built as a one room cabin in 1864 by a miner, Wilson Butts, who was working his claim at the nearby Last Chance Gulch. The cabin was built along a reliable fresh-water creek which stopped flowing after an earthquake in the 1930s. At the time of its construction, it was notable for what then were unusually large glass windows for Helena. Another room was added a year later when five of Mr. Butts’ relatives moved in.
Over the years the cabin changed hands several times and served multiple purposes, including a business office, a chicken coop, and a storage shed. In 1964, the Montana Historical Society acquired the cabin, restored it, and furnished it with period-appropriate furniture and household artifacts.
The cabin is located at the gateway to Reeder’s Alley.
Address: 212 South Park Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
For tour information call: 406-843-5247
