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Local businessman George M. Miles built this historic home in 1899. At the time, it was among the first large homes built in the city which is named after his uncle, General Nelson A. Miles. General Miles established Fort Keogh in 1876, and his nephew George Miles held a number of prominent public offices and important positions with local companies and organizations during his career. In terms of architecture, the house is a fine example of the Queen Anne style. Its notable features include an asymmetrical design, gables, a large porch that wraps around the southwestern corner, paired Doric columns that support the porch roof, and a triangular pediment with decorative woodwork. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 for its architecture as well as its association with George Miles.

The George M. Miles House was erected in 1899. It is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture.

The George M. Miles House was erected in 1899. It is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture.

George Miles arrived in Montana in 1876. He served as the quartermaster clerk for the Fifth Regiment at Fort Keogh, which, as noted above, was established by his uncle General Nelson A. Miles. General Miles established the fort as part of the U.S. Army's effort to fight Native Americans after the Battle of Little Big Horn (June 25-26, 1876), the famous battle where Plains tribes soundly defeated General George Custer and his men. The Army was eventually successful, forcing the tribes to the Standing Point Reservation in the Dakota Territory within a year.

As a result, Fort Keogh and others in the region were eventually no longer needed. George Miles left the Army and got into sheep ranching (to grow wool). After several years he, along with a few others, founded the First National Bank in 1882. By then, the population in the area grew and it became apparent that a bank was needed. Miles became president of the bank in 1907 and remained so until 1929. The other positions he held included serving as the first U.S. Commissioner and the first notary public in the county, a senior partner of a hardware firm, president of Miles City Trust and Realty Company, president of Ekalala Telephone Company, and superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday School. Miles lived in the house until 1913.

White, J. Myles. "Miles, George M. House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. February 17, 1982. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/82003161_text.

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Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MilesCityMT_GeorgeMMilesHouse.jpg