Barrett, Martin, House
733 S. Pacific, Dillon, MTThe Martin Barrett House is significant under criterion B for its association with the original owners, Martin and Alice Barrett, and under Criterion C as a good example of a well-preserved, early 20th-century eclectic style house that combines a variety of architectural features from the Colonial Revival and Prairie styles. Martin Barrett was an early Montana pioneer who became a highly successful Beaverhead County rancher, influential politician, and local philanthropist. The house he and his wife built in 1912 at 733 South Pacific was intended as a place of retirement and accordingly reflects their contemporary and refined taste in residential architecture.
Martin Barrett was born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1840. Coming to Ontario, Canada with his widowed mother in 1847, Barrett moved to St. Joseph, Missouri in 1859, where he drove a freight wagon to Salt Lake City and back. Two years later he was working as a miner in Colorado, and in 1863 he formed a partnership with Joseph Shineberger with whom he drove a mule team to Montana Territory. While Shineberger mined in the area of Alder Gulch (30 miles east of Dillon), Barrett claimed land and began raising stock on a ranch at Horse Prairie (southwest of Dillon). By 1871 the partnership was dissolved with Barrett taking ownership of approximately 4,500 acres, termed "one of the most valuable estates in the country" (Progressive Men of Montana. 1992, p.28). There he grew a variety of crops and raised about 2,000 head of high-grade shorthorn cattle. Barrett's experience and knowledge in stock proved useful as he served as the Beaverhead County Stock Commissioner for six years during the early 1990s.
In 1879 Barrett was chosen as the Beaverhead County representative to the Territorial Legislature, a position for which he was reelected in 1885. In 1911 the Barretts sold their ranch and moved to Dillon for semi-retirement. Spending winters in California, they returned to Montana in the summer to entertain guests and landscape their modern and fashionable home. In Dillon, Martin served on the local School Board but was defeated by his wife Alice in the next election, Alice Barrett served as a School Board member for 22 years. Martin Barrett also was a founding member of the Dillon State Bank, for which he worked as vice president. In 1921 Barrett shared the wealth he had acquired during ranching and donated $190,000 towards the construction of a new hospital in Dillon. Named after its major benefactor, the Barrett Hospital was erected in 1923 using a $25,000 bequest by Joseph Shineberger and seven acres of land donated by the Dillon State Bank for the construction site near Barrett's house. Martin Barrett died four years after the hospital was built on August 17, 1927. His importance to the community was further realized in 1963 when the Barrett Dam and Barrett State Recreation Area were dedicated south of Dillon by the Bureau of Reclamation.
Local significance of the building:
Martin Barrett was born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1840. Coming to Ontario, Canada with his widowed mother in 1847, Barrett moved to St. Joseph, Missouri in 1859, where he drove a freight wagon to Salt Lake City and back. Two years later he was working as a miner in Colorado, and in 1863 he formed a partnership with Joseph Shineberger with whom he drove a mule team to Montana Territory. While Shineberger mined in the area of Alder Gulch (30 miles east of Dillon), Barrett claimed land and began raising stock on a ranch at Horse Prairie (southwest of Dillon). By 1871 the partnership was dissolved with Barrett taking ownership of approximately 4,500 acres, termed "one of the most valuable estates in the country" (Progressive Men of Montana. 1992, p.28). There he grew a variety of crops and raised about 2,000 head of high-grade shorthorn cattle. Barrett's experience and knowledge in stock proved useful as he served as the Beaverhead County Stock Commissioner for six years during the early 1990s.
In 1879 Barrett was chosen as the Beaverhead County representative to the Territorial Legislature, a position for which he was reelected in 1885. In 1911 the Barretts sold their ranch and moved to Dillon for semi-retirement. Spending winters in California, they returned to Montana in the summer to entertain guests and landscape their modern and fashionable home. In Dillon, Martin served on the local School Board but was defeated by his wife Alice in the next election, Alice Barrett served as a School Board member for 22 years. Martin Barrett also was a founding member of the Dillon State Bank, for which he worked as vice president. In 1921 Barrett shared the wealth he had acquired during ranching and donated $190,000 towards the construction of a new hospital in Dillon. Named after its major benefactor, the Barrett Hospital was erected in 1923 using a $25,000 bequest by Joseph Shineberger and seven acres of land donated by the Dillon State Bank for the construction site near Barrett's house. Martin Barrett died four years after the hospital was built on August 17, 1927. His importance to the community was further realized in 1963 when the Barrett Dam and Barrett State Recreation Area were dedicated south of Dillon by the Bureau of Reclamation.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Montana was the last state to raise its legal drinking age to 21, doing so in 1987 after a federal law was passed that required all states to have a minimum drinking age of 21 or risk losing federal highway funding.
About Beaverhead County
Beaverhead County Timeline
Beaverhead County, Montana, has a rich and storied history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes such as the Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce inhabited the region for centuries before the arrival of European settlers. The Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the area in 1805, leaving behind a significant historical footprint. The expedition documented the local flora, fauna, and geography, opening up the possibility of future exploration and settlement.
In the mid-19th century, gold was discovered along the Beaverhead River, leading to a rush of prospectors seeking their fortune. The settlement of Bannack quickly grew and became the first territorial capital of Montana in 1864. However, Bannack's glory days were short-lived, and Virginia City emerged as the new focal point of the area's mining activity. Virginia City became the capital in 1875 before ultimately losing the title to Helena in 1877.
During the late 19th century, ranching and agriculture began to flourish in Beaverhead County, thanks to its fertile land and abundant water sources. Cattle and sheep ranching became some of the primary economic activities in the region, with homesteaders and ranchers establishing themselves in the county. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the local economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and providing a crucial link between the county and the rest of Montana.
Today, Beaverhead County is known for its spectacular natural beauty, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast grasslands, and the iconic Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The county continues to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With a population that continues to grow steadily, Beaverhead County remains an important and thriving part of Montana's history and culture.
In the mid-19th century, gold was discovered along the Beaverhead River, leading to a rush of prospectors seeking their fortune. The settlement of Bannack quickly grew and became the first territorial capital of Montana in 1864. However, Bannack's glory days were short-lived, and Virginia City emerged as the new focal point of the area's mining activity. Virginia City became the capital in 1875 before ultimately losing the title to Helena in 1877.
During the late 19th century, ranching and agriculture began to flourish in Beaverhead County, thanks to its fertile land and abundant water sources. Cattle and sheep ranching became some of the primary economic activities in the region, with homesteaders and ranchers establishing themselves in the county. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the local economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and providing a crucial link between the county and the rest of Montana.
Today, Beaverhead County is known for its spectacular natural beauty, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast grasslands, and the iconic Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The county continues to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With a population that continues to grow steadily, Beaverhead County remains an important and thriving part of Montana's history and culture.
Beaverhead County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Beaverhead County, Montana.
- Before 1800: Beaverhead County is inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce.
- 1805: Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark explore the region as part of their expedition commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson.
- 1864: Beaverhead County is officially established by the Montana Territorial Legislature.
- 1862-1868: Gold is discovered in various areas of Beaverhead County, leading to a gold rush and the establishment of several mining towns.
- 1881: The Utah and Northern Railway reaches Beaverhead County, providing improved transportation and boosting the local economy.
- Late 1800s-early 1900s: Ranching becomes a significant industry in Beaverhead County, with cattle herds growing and agricultural activities expanding.
- 1930s: The Great Depression affects Beaverhead County, causing economic hardships and a decline in mining and agricultural activities.
- 1930-1970: Beaverhead County experiences a population decline due to economic factors and the impact of World War II.
- 1980s-present: Beaverhead County sees a resurgence in its economy, with a focus on tourism, outdoor recreation, and agriculture.