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History of Helena, Montana, USA
Journey back in time to Helena, Montana, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Helena, Montana, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Helena
In 1888 Helena had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world.
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VINTAGE HELENA
Helena Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Helena, Montana, USA
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Capitol
Helena, Montana, USA
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Mt. Helena Looking West From Balcony, State Capitol, Helena, Mont.
Helena, Montana, USA
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Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to HELENA
MONTANA - Buffalo Burger, Huckleberries and Butte Pasties - I LOVE Montana! - Ceramic Mug
Introducing our Montana-inspired Ceramic Mug: a tribute to the incredible flavors and breathtaking landscapes of Montana! This Buffalo Burger, Huckleberries, and Butte Pasties-themed mug is a must-have for anyone who loves the Big Sky State.
MONTANA Survival Mug: Fly Fishing, Whiskey, and Winter Wisdom
Unleash your inner Montanan with our ceramic mug, proudly boasting the caption: "I'm from Montana! That explains a lot about my love for fly fishing and my ability to survive winter with a flask of whiskey." This mug isn't just a beverage holder; it's a declaration of rugged spirit and outdoor passion. Perfect for anyone who knows that the best way to handle a chilly morning is with a strong coffee—and maybe a little something extra.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Helena: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Helena through the years.
1869 - First Fire Tower
First fire tower built to protect buildings in Helena, Montana.
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
1888 - In 1888, Helena had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world.
1895 - Helena
Helena, a city, the capital of Montana, and of Lewis and Clarke co., is situated in Prickly Pear Valley, near the Rocky Mountains, about 14 miles W. of the Missouri River, and 115 miles N. of Virginia City. Lat. 46° 35' 36" N.; lon. 111° 52'45" W. It has rich gold-mines, which were discovered in September, 1864, after which the population increased rapidly. This is the most populous town in Montana. Three daily and 10 weekly newspapers are published here. Helena contains a court-house, 5 national banks, a United States land-office, a graded school, several quartz mills, flour-mills, lumber-mills, and the offices of various public functionaries; also 12 churches, a Catholic academy and convent, and a hospital and insane asylum under Catholic management. Pop. in 1890, 13,834.
1908 - June 4-5 - Helena MT was deluged with 3.67 inches of rain to establish their all-time 24 hour rainfall record.
1916
Helena, a city, the capital of Montana and of Lewis and Clarke co., in Prickly Pear Valley, near the Rocky Mountains, about 14 miles W. of the Missouri River and 115 miles N. of Virginia City. It is on the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern Its. Lat. 46° 35' N. ; Ion. 111° 56' W. It has rich gold-mines, which were discovered in Sept., 1864 ; silver, copper, and galena are also found here. Helena contains various public buildings, the state capitol, an assay office, smelters and concentrators, breweries, soap-, brick-, tile- and sewer-pipe works, craoker- plant, lumber- and quartz-mills, etc. It has also an in sane asylum and is the seat of the Montana Wesleyan University, St. Vincent's Academy, and St. Alovsius College. The famous Last Chance Gulch, one of the richest gold-deposits, runs through the city. Elevation of the city, 3930 feet. Pop. in 1890, 13,834 ; in 1900, 10,770.
1919 - ENGINEER KILLED IN TRAIN WRECK. Head-on Collision on N. P. Results in One Death and Many Injured.
HELENA, Oct. 1. - Engineer Sidney Sherwood was killed and two firemen badly hurt when a light engine and passenger train on the Rimini branch of the Northern Pacific collided head-on near here this morning. A score of passengers were injured, none seriously.
The train and the light engine were both running to get in the clear for a fast passenger train, it appears, the Rimini train heading for the junction ahead of the fast passenger train and the engine coming east to take a sidetrack nearby. A fog prevented the engineers from seeing each other's engine until it was too late to avert the collision.
Fireman Frank Barker and Brackman Jack Hillman, who were riding in the cab with Sherwood, jumped in time to escape death. The crew of the light engine escaped with bruises. No passenger was hurt beyond slight cuts.
The train and the light engine were both running to get in the clear for a fast passenger train, it appears, the Rimini train heading for the junction ahead of the fast passenger train and the engine coming east to take a sidetrack nearby. A fog prevented the engineers from seeing each other's engine until it was too late to avert the collision.
Fireman Frank Barker and Brackman Jack Hillman, who were riding in the cab with Sherwood, jumped in time to escape death. The crew of the light engine escaped with bruises. No passenger was hurt beyond slight cuts.
1924 - December 14 - The temperature at Helena, MT, plunged 79 degrees in 24 hours, and 88 degrees in 34 hours. The mercury plummeted from 63 above to 25 below zero.
January 31, 1949 - Helena MT reached 42 degrees below zero.
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1949 - September 11 - An early snowstorm brought 7.5 inches to Helena MT
1959 - November 11-12 - Between Noon on the 11th and Noon on the 12th, a winter storm buried Helena, MT, under 21.5 inches of snow, which surpassed their previous 24 hour record by seven inches.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Helena, Montana:
1. Montana State Capitol:
Start your visit by exploring the Montana State Capitol building. It's an architectural marvel with a stunning copper dome. You can take guided tours to learn about the state's history and government.
2. Last Chance Gulch:
Stroll down Last Chance Gulch, Helena's historic downtown district. You'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat, shop for souvenirs, or just soak in the atmosphere.
3. Helena History Museum:
If you're interested in local history, head to the Helena History Museum. It's located in a beautiful historic mansion and offers fascinating exhibits about the city's past.
4. Gates of the Mountains:
Take a boat tour of the Gates of the Mountains. This scenic canyon on the Missouri River is where Meriwether Lewis first saw the "gates" as he explored the Louisiana Purchase with the Corps of Discovery.
5. Mount Helena City Park:
Hike or bike the trails at Mount Helena...
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Start your visit by exploring the Montana State Capitol building. It's an architectural marvel with a stunning copper dome. You can take guided tours to learn about the state's history and government.
2. Last Chance Gulch:
Stroll down Last Chance Gulch, Helena's historic downtown district. You'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat, shop for souvenirs, or just soak in the atmosphere.
3. Helena History Museum:
If you're interested in local history, head to the Helena History Museum. It's located in a beautiful historic mansion and offers fascinating exhibits about the city's past.
4. Gates of the Mountains:
Take a boat tour of the Gates of the Mountains. This scenic canyon on the Missouri River is where Meriwether Lewis first saw the "gates" as he explored the Louisiana Purchase with the Corps of Discovery.
5. Mount Helena City Park:
Hike or bike the trails at Mount Helena...
GENEALOGY IN HELENA
Discover YOUR Roots: Helena Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Helena, Montana, USA
We currently have information about 6 ancestors who were born or died in Helena.
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Updated: 9/19/2023 8:51:30 AM
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