Helena History Facts and Timeline

(Helena, Montana - MT, USA)



The early history of Helena dates back to one date in particular, 14th July 1864. It was on this day that a small amount of gold was discovered in a steep-sided ravine (a 'gulch') located next to the Prickly Pear Valley, by four gold prospectors known as the 'Four Georgians' - as they came from the town of Acworth in Georgia.

The Four Georgians were actually headed to Kootenai county, an especially rich gold region, and so they decided to continue their journey, in search of a more reliable source of gold. However, after a rather wasted journey, they return to Helena and set up camp, naming it 'Last Chance'.

More gold was quickly discovered and it looked like Last Chance had the potential to bring great wealth. News of their success spread quickly, creating a mini-gold rush in the future city of Helena. There were soon more than 1,000 people living here and mining for gold. Over the course of history, this spot turned out to be home to one of Montana's biggest gold deposits, producing more than $3 billion worth of gold (in today's money).


A Town Was Born

It quickly became apparent that the growing settlement of Last Chance was set to become a prosperous town, although it lacked organization, structure and leadership. A group of men decided to meet the day before Halloween, 1864, to discuss the layout of the town, plan streets and houses, establish more of an infrastructure and elect commissioners.

History shows that the town was growing at a rapid pace and it was soon suggested that it should be given a proper name. Various different names were considered, such as Pumpkinville, Rochester, Squashtown, Tomah and Winona, although it was eventually decided to name the town Helena, after the Helena Township in Scott County. This decision was received with mixed opinion, although the name quickly stuck.

Capital City and Multi Millionaires

In 1875, Helena was selected to become the capital of the territory of Montana, and some 19 years later, it naturally became the capital city of the new state of Montana.

By the last decade of the 19th century, literally dozens of millionaires were now calling Helena their home. Many houses had grand Victorian-style edifices and the streets were particularly attractive. However, as with many sizeable American cities of this era, there was also a busy red-light district, complete with brothels.

The World's Very First Indoor Swimming Pool

The year of 1889 was an important time in Helena history, since it was when the luxury Hotel Broadwater and Natatorium opened, on the city's westerly outskirts. This was a hotel like no other, with opulence around every corner, including the first-ever indoor swimming pool on the planet. However, it never managed to make great profits and eventually closed for good in 1941, following slow business and earthquake damage.

The 20th Century Onwards

The history books show how a number of extremely important buildings were erected in Helena at the very end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. These included the rather palatial Montana State Capitol Building (completed in 1902 at the cost of more than $500,000) and the Cathedral of Saint Helena (completed in 1908 for the local Roman Catholic community). The following decade saw the arrival of the Algeria Shrine Temple, which now appears on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tourists visiting Helena and looking to trace the history of the state capital should take a stroll along the Walking Mall. This attraction was completed in the early part of the 1980s, as part of a major regeneration project, and follows the route of the original 'Last Chance Gulch'.