Montana Historical Society Guides Irish Delegation at Capitol

Cultural exchange celebrates shared history between Montana and Ireland

• May 22 2025

Helena, MT – On May 20, tour guides from the Montana Historical Society (MTHS) provided tours of the Montana Capitol to Irish dignitaries from Counties Cork, Waterford, Kerry and Meath. This cultural exchange was hosted by the Department of Commerce through the newly established Montana-Ireland Trade Commission and brought Irish community members and government leaders to Helena, Butte, Missoula, and Virginia City.

Beyond official business, tour participants were delighted to learn about Irish connections to the Big Sky state.

“From the shamrock on the Little Shell tribal flag, to the statue of Senator Mike Mansfield, who was the son of Irish immigrants, the Montana Capitol is replete with physical and emotional connections to Ireland,” said MTHS Museum Education Officer Darby Bramble.

One non-negotiable stop for the Irish delegation was visiting the iconic statue of General Thomas Francis Meagher, which is prominently placed on the north lawn of the Capitol. Meagher, born in Waterford, Ireland, was a leading figure in the Irish Independence movement of the mid-19^th century. He arrived in Montana in 1865, having been appointed as Territorial Secretary. Over the course of the next two years, he twice served as Acting Territorial Governor, drawing loyal supporters and vocal detractors in almost equal numbers. He died under mysterious circumstances in Fort Benton on July 1, 1867.

Meagher’s equestrian statue was created by Irish-born Chicago sculptor Charles J. Mulligan and is as much a tribute to the many Irish immigrants who made Montana their home as it is to Meagher himself. The Meagher Memorial Association raised twenty thousand dollars by public subscription to pay for the statue, which was dedicated on July 4, 1905, before a cheering crowd of over 1,500 people.

While the Irish crowd was smaller than in 1905, the applause of the delegation resonated in the Capitol when their guide wrapped up his presentation. For many among the group, touring the Montana Capitol was a high point of their Montana visit.

“No matter where you are from, there’s something that will engage you in Montana’s Capitol,” Bramble reflects.  “The art, architecture, civics, history and the stories of place we share on our tours are the perfect way to get to know Montana better, whether you are new to the state, or you’ve lived here your entire life.”

Starting June 1^st, free Capitol tours will be offered regularly, 7 days a week.

To learn more about exploring the Montana Capitol with a MTHS guide, visit: mths.mt.gov/education/capitoltours