Grand Hotel - Big Timber, MT
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member T0SHEA
N 45° 50.061 W 109° 57.272
12T E 581193 N 5076173
Built in 1890, the Grand Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Montana which continues in operation as a hotel.
Waymark Code: WMWKGW
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 09/15/2017
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member iconions
Views: 0
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1890 to 1893 was the time of Big Timber's major economic boom and it was at the beginning of this era that the Grand Hotel was built, helping to change Big Timber from a rough and ready frontier town to the commercial centre of the area. At the time Big Timber was the centre of a major sheep raising area, shipping 4,500,000 pounds of wool by 1900. Since its construction the Grand Hotel has remained the premiere hotel in the town.

As happened in essentially all frontier towns built predominantly of wood, Big Timber experienced a major fire, theirs coming in 1908. Fittingly, we suppose, the fire occurred on Friday the 13th in May, taking out most of the commercial district but, due to its brick construction, the Grand was spared.

We understand that, for a time in recent years, the hotel was closed, but it has recently been restored and reopened, boasting an excellent restaurant, rooms furnished with authentic antiques and the ambience of a turn of the twentieth century hotel.
Grand Hotel The two story, masonry Grand Hotel is prominently located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and McLeod Street in the center of Big Timber's commercial district. Built in 1890, the rectangular-shaped building exhibits elements typical of late 19th century commercial architecture found in railroad towns in many Western states.

The opening of the Grand Hotel was a major event, signifying prosperity and a greater degree of permanence for the community of approximately 265 residents. At the dedication of the building in 1891, the residents of Big Timber expressed their gratitude to Jacob Halverson, the Sweet Grass County sheep rancher who financed the hotel's construction, by giving him a gold watch with the inscription, "From your friends in Big Timber." Built at a cost of $20,000, the hotel originally contained a spacious bar and billiards room, barber shop, baggage room, dining room with 60 seat capacity, and "Chinese laundry" in the basement. In 1897, the building was remodeled to "more conveniently arrange every department." Guest rooms "have all been recarpeted and repapered and each of them looks as fresh and inviting as one could desire. New carpets also adorn the halls and there is an air of cleanliness and comfort about the 40 sleeping apartments the house affords, which is most alluring. The rates at the Grand are $2 and $2.50 per day and no house in the state furnishes better returns for the money."3 Although not enjoying a monopoly on the trade, the Grand claimed a position as the premier hotel in Big Timber.

By the time of the construction of the Grand Hotel, Big Timber had become recognized as a significant wool exporting community along the Northern Pacific railroad line. A new hospital, 100-barrel roller mill, bank, three hotels and a court house built in 1897 contributed to a sense of permanency in Big Timber. In 1900, 4,500,000 pounds of wool were shipped to Midwestern markets from Big Timber and a local wool processing mill was established in 1902. In 1908, however, a fire swept through the community destroying over one third of the residential and commercial buildings resulting in more than $400,000 in damages.4 While nearly all of the businesses along McLeod Street were completely destroyed in the blaze, the Grand Hotel survived intact.
From the NRHP Nomination Form
GRAND HOTEL

When the Northern Pacific Railroad established a depot in Big Timber in 1883, the small frontier town fast became a business and shipping center, drawing trade from great distances. Construction of this fine hotel in 1890 well illustrates the impact of the railroad’s westward expansion. Local citizens were so confident in the town’s future that sheep rancher Jacob Halverson financed its $20,000 construction costs. The Grand was one of the early masonry buildings that replaced less permanent frame structures and sod-roofed log cabins along the main commercial street. The lovely façade with its extensive brick patterning and sandstone window surrounds is a tribute to the hotel’s unknown architect and local craftsmen. The Grand offered guests a sixty-seat dining room and forty sleeping apartments. An overnight stay cost about two dollars, and “no house in the state furnished better returns for the money.” But for sheep ranchers, miners, and residents, the Grand quickly became an essential place to socialize and conduct business. In 1908, on Friday the 13th of May, a spectacular fire destroyed nearly all the businesses along McLeod Street. Remarkably, the Grand Hotel remained intact. This enduring landmark, more than just a hotel to the community, continues to be a place to gather, hear news, and do business.
From the NRHP plaque at the building
Street address:
139 McLeod Street
Big Timber, MT United States
59011

County / Borough / Parish: Sweet Grass

Year listed: 1985

Historic (Areas of) Significance: Commerce

Periods of significance: 1875-1899

Historic function: Domestic - Hotel

Current function: Domestic - Hotel

Privately owned?: yes

Primary Web Site: [Web Link]

Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]

Secondary Website 2: [Web Link]

Season start / Season finish: Not listed

Hours of operation: Not listed

National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
Visit Instructions:
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