Celebration of Centennial of Thomas Francis Meagher Statue
(07/05/05

For a hundred years, on a block of Montana granite, the front of Montana's capitol building has been graced with the striking soldier on horseback with raised sword, Thomas Francis Meagher, Montana's first acting governor, Irish freedom fighter and exile, Civil War hero and founder of New York's famous Fighting 69th Regiment, first Secretary of Montana territory, founder of our National Guard, and American patriot. The statue is a symbol of the dreams of all free people who would pursue their own 'grand and glorious deeds.' It is an edifice seen and admired by tourists and travelers the world over.

To Irish Americans, particularly those whose ancestors came to Montana, the statue is a reminder of the contributions from the Irish people who came after Meagher. The entrepreneurs like Marcus Daly and those Irish immigrants who would toil in the mines and smelters of Butte and Anaconda as they strived to build new life in the 41st State of the growing American Republic.

The Meagher statue is a symbol of the historical development of our state and it is a monument for all people of every descent.

Directions: The Celebration of Centennial of Thomas Francis Meagher Statue will be held on the capitol grounds in Helena. The Montana State Capitol is located off of I-15, using the Capitol exit, turn left onto Roberts Street, proceed south to 6th Street. The State Capitol is at 1301 East 6th.

Celebration of Centennial of Thomas Francis Meagher Statue
4295 McHugh Drive, Helena, MT 59602

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