The Lower North Side harkens back to the early days in Great Falls when the Electric City was expanding rapidly and bursting with promise. Its early houses were modest wooden abodes and a building boom from 1890 to 1893 gave way to the beautiful homes that made the Lower North Side the city’s premier neighborhood. We will meet at Vinegar Jones Cabin in Gibson Park at 2pm for an afternoon stroll with tour guide Carol Bradley.

The Lower Northside residential Historic District is the Original Townsite of Great Falls. It is located on the north side of the central business district and features 257 buildings that contribute to the history of our city. Queen Annes, Colonial Revivals, Tudor, and Arts and Crafts are just some of the architectural designs featured in this stately district. The neighborhood harkens back to the early days when Great Falls was bursting with promise and rapidly expanding at the turn of the century.

Returning to live in Great Falls after World War I, veterans and others found agreeable apartment houses also on the north side, many of which are still in use today. By 1980, downtown living had somewhat lost its zeal and many houses and buildings were boarded up. Today the area enjoys a renaissance of sorts, with residents taking pride in restoring many of the grand old homes that tell part of our collective story.

Join local historian and newest member of the board of directors for The History Museum Carol Bradley for May’s Second Saturday program. We will meet in Gibson Park at Vinegar Jones Cabin and promptly begin the tour at 2 p.m.

Consider a visit to our exhibits and gift shop on June 14, when we will be open 12:00pm - 5:00pm.