Helena is the capital city of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. The area has been inhabited for more than ten thousand years, first by the people of the Folsom culture then, until the arrival of European-Americans, the Salish and Blackfeet tribes. People of European descent came from the United States and British Canada in the early 19th century, but they didn’t settle permanently until the 1860s, when gold strikes in the Idaho Territory brought migrants to the area, so many that the U.S. government created the Montana Territory in 1864. That same year, the discovery of gold by a prospecting group known as the Four Georgians led to the creation of a mining camp along a small creek in the area they called Last Chance Gulch, and the settlement became known as Last Chance. When new settlers expressed a dislike for that name, several new names were proposed, but they settled on Helena. The town site was surveyed in 1865, but several original streets had already been created, following the chaotic paths of the miners, going around claims, and following the winding gulch, so most of its streets are not consistent in size. By 1888, there were about fifty millionaires living in Helena, mostly due to gold strikes. Helena was named the capital of Montana Territory in 1875, and of the state of Montana since 1889. Notable residents of Helena, throughout history, have included James Earp, Wyatt’s brother, as well as Gary Cooper, the actor, and L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, and the country singer, Charlie Pride.
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Recommended Resources
AWR is a non-profit, membership-based organization, whose membership includes scientists and conservationists, established for the purpose of saving the Northern Rockies bio-region from habitat destruction. The Helena-based organization is described, as well as its current issues, news and action alerts.
http://www.wildrockiesalliance.org/
Its official municipal government site offers an overview of Montana's capital city, including its departments, services and key personnel, as well as bulletins and alerts, job opportunities, and meeting notices.
http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/
Built on the site of the former depot for the Great Northern Railroad in Helena, Montana, the development includes restaurants, clothing stores, and other shopping venues, as well as a theater, museum, a carousel, and a hotel and convention center. A map of the area is included, as well as a guide to its shops and businesses.
http://www.gntowncenter.com/
Helena Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is an alliance of people, businesses and organizations interested in the growth and economic development of the Helena area. Its site includes an overview of the organization, membership details, information for visitors or those considering relocating to the area, along with a calendar of events and other resources.
http://helenachamber.com/
Helena Chamber and Visitor Bureau
The organization responsible for promoting business and tourism in the region offers a guide to Montana's capital city, including an account of the historical record, photographs, maps, and a directory of local attractions, accommodations and events. Information specific to tours and convention planners is also presented.
http://www.gohelena.com/
Managed by Dr. Bryan Hilborn, who specializes in pain management and physical therapy, the clinic is located on Montana Avenue in Helena, Montana. Its hours of operation, services, and contacts are put forward.
http://www.helenachiro.com/
Situated on North Montana Avenue, in Helena, Montana, the animal medical hospital is highlighted, with information about its services, appointment policies, office hours, a calendar of events, and client reviews.
http://helenavets.com/
Published in Helena, Montana, the newspaper offers news and sports reports, entertainment pieces, local events, and opinion columns, which are available from the newspaper’s electronic edition. Subscription and advertising information is included.
http://helenair.com/
