Filed Under Anaconda

Barich Block

Anaconda Commercial Historic District

Austrian immigrant George Barich came to Anaconda from Butte in 1883 to work at the smelter. He later turned to commercial business and, in 1892, commissioned builders Daniel Dwyer and John Cosgrove to construct the first floor of this block. Barich opened a saloon in the building, which he operated until his retirement in 1910. Dwyer and Cosgrove added the block’s second story in 1893. Its fourteen offices were soon converted to bachelor rooms as single men flooded Anaconda’s boardinghouses during the booming 1890s. Barich came to play an important civic role as a founder of St. Peter’s Austrian Roman Catholic Church and as agent for the North German Lloyd Steamship Company. In this capacity he helped newly arrived Austrians find suitable housing, work at the smelter, and the companionship of fellow immigrants. The Barich Block, now a primary element of the historic commercial district, was independently listed on the National Register in 1983. The upper story retains its original design, featuring fine ornamental brickwork and granite trim.

Images

Anaconda Historic District, Barich Block
Anaconda Historic District, Barich Block Digital ID: hhh linkmt0118-data MT Photos from Survey HABS MT-53-0 Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Creator: Jet Lowe, photographer Date: [no date]
Barich Block
Barich Block Barich Block. Front view of the building, facing north to northeast on East Park Avenue. Source: Montana Historical Society Creator: Joe Furshong Date: July 2020
Barich Block
Barich Block Barich Block. Front to side view of the building, facing northwest on the corner of East Park Avenue and Chestnut Street. Source: Montana Historical Society Creator: Joe Furshong Date: July 2020

Location

420 East Park Avenue, Anaconda, Montana | private

Metadata

The Montana National Register Sign Program, “Barich Block,” Historic Montana, accessed March 28, 2024, https://historicmt.org/items/show/305.