Helena, Montana

Helena is the capital of Montana and county seat of Lewis and Clark County. Located on the western part of the state, Helena covers 14 sq mi (36.3 sq km) and has a population of 28,000 people (2011 estimate) within a metropolitan area of 75,000 people.

St Helena Cathedral, Helena, Montana
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Helena_Cathedral_in_Helena,_Montana.jpg
Author: SWD


Helena was established in 1864 following the discovery of gold in the area by four Georgian prospectors, who came to be known as the Four Georgians. The town was originally called Last Chance, a name given by the Four Georgians. Within a year, the new settlers were looking for a new name for the place.

Among the suggestions included Tomah, Pumpkinville and Squashtown. Eventually the name Helena was proposed by one John Summerville, and accepted. There was however a bitter disagreement over how Helena should be pronounced, with the pronunciation of Hel-e-na eventually prevailing.

Wealth from gold mining created at least fifty millionaires in Helena by 1888. The city was made capital of Montana Territory in 1875, and became the state capital in 1889. The Montana State Capitol was completed in 1902.

Visiting Helena

Helena is served by Interstate 15 that runs north-south through the city, connecting it with Great Falls in the north and Butte in the south.

Places of Interest in Helena

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