The H. S. Gilbert Brewery, Montana Territory’s oldest brewery, located at the corner of Hamilton and Cover streets, is an example of once-common small town breweries. Though several additions to the 1860s building expanded the booming business, its exterior appearance remains largely unchanged from the 1880s. Henry Gilbert’s home and the century-old willows of his “beer garden” park enhance the landscape.

Henry S. Gilbert and Christen Richter, business partner/brewer, purchased a brewery in Virginia City in 1866, which they called Gilbert and Richter. In 1872, Gilbert purchased Richter’s interest in the business and changed the name to the H. S. Gilbert Brewery.

Margaret and Henry Gilbert raised fifteen children in the home near the brewery, including daughters Amelia and Clara, who were the first twins born in the area. Gilbert had a varied career as a teacher, saddler, and trader before coming to Virginia City at the height of the gold rush. He was a prominent member of the early community, serving two terms as mayor of Virginia City, as well as county treasurer and assessor. Gilbert met a tragic end in 1903, when his wagon overturned and pinned him underneath. Several of his sons carried on the brewery business until Prohibition closed it in 1919.

Now, the brewery is home to a rowdy cabaret show performed by the Brewery Follies. The show was created in 1984, when it became apparent that additional entertainment was needed in Virginia City to compliment the already existing Virginia City Players. In recent years, the Montana Heritage Commission has been working to preserve this important piece of Virginia City’s past.

Information derived from: Virginia City walking tour; Montana Heritage Commission’s “Save Montana’s 1^st Brewery!” presentation; finding aid to the Gilbert Brewing Company records at the Montana Historical Society. Photographs courtesy of HRA, Inc.