Helena
The capital of Montana started life as a mining town founded by chance. In 1864 four prospectors from Georgia arrived in the area. They were on the point of giving up their search for gold, but they came across a creek and decided to have a last look. They discovered gold, so they named the creek “Last Chance Gulch” and founded the town of Crabtown. Within a few years the town had grown to over 3,000 people and, fortunately, the name didn’t stick. Miners from Minnesota started calling it St Helena after a town back home, and in due course this was shortened to Helena. In 1875 it became capital of the territory of Montana and the arrival of the railroad in 1883 ensured that the city continued to prosper even though the gold had long since run out.
Cathedral of St Helena, Warren Street
Construction of the Cathedral of St. Helena was begun in 1908 but the building wasn't finished until 1924. Its Gothic design is based on the Votive Church of the Sacred Heart in Vienna, Austria. This Catholic cathedral is Helena's largest church and it its location up the hill from Last Chance Gulch ensures that the 70 metre(230 foot) high twin spires dominate the centre of the city. The interior is richly decorated with marble and its 68 stained glass windows were fashioned in Germany.
Governor's original Mansion, Ewing Street
Built in 1888 by Helena entrepreneur William Chessman as his private home, this mansion on North Ewing Street was purchased in 1913 by the State of Montana to be used as the Governor's Mansion. From 1913 to 1959 the 20-room residence served as home for nine governors and their families. The building is now owned by the Montana Historical Society, which has restored the mansion to its historic splendour and opened it for public tours.
Power Block Building, Last Chance Gulch
The main street of St Helena is called “Last Chance Gulch” to commemorate the chance discovery of gold that resulted in the founding of the city. Although much of the street is now a shopping mall, it is still home to a number of historic buildings. The Power Block building, shown here, dates back to 1889. Its most distinctive feature is that on each floor, the number of windows on the corner of the building is the same as the number of the floor.
Montana State Capitol
Helena was capital of the Territory of Montana from 1875 until it was granted statehood in 1889. Despite its 14 years as territorial capital, Helena had to fight off a determined bid from Anaconda to become Capital of the State. Helena was elected as capital in 1895 and in 1896 work began on the foundations for a Capitol building. Construction was delayed by accusations of corruption, and in 1898 a fresh start was made on a more modest design. The Montana State Capitol was finally handed over to the state in 1902.
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© Mike Elsden 1981 - 2023
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