Helena

What makes the capitol special

The Montana State Capitol was finished in 1902. It features a 165-foot copper dome topped by a statue called “Montana,” which represents liberty. Inside, a masterpiece painting of Lewis and Clark by artist Charles Russell hangs in a place of honor. The building is constructed using local stone to reflect the state’s natural landscape.

Three places to visit

1. Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour – Take a scenic boat trip through a dramatic river canyon that was named by the famous explorers Lewis and Clark.
2. Mount Helena City Park – Hike trails that start right in town and go to the mountain’s summit for amazing views of the city and valley.
3. Cathedral of Saint Helena – Admire the beautiful stained glass and twin towers of this church, which was designed to look like a famous cathedral in Vienna, Austria.

How the city got its name

Helena was named in 1864. Most historians believe it was named after St. Helena, a Roman empress. However, early miners argued about the correct way to pronounce the name. Some settlers also claimed it was actually named after the town of Helena, Minnesota.

Why this city became the capital

Helena became the capital of Montana in 1875. Before this, the capital was located in Bannack (1864-1865) and Virginia City (1865-1875). Helena was chosen because its economy was booming thanks to nearby gold mines. It had also become an important center for transportation.