Helena, Montana

Helena is the capital city of the U.S. state of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. It was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush on July 14, 1864, after gold was discovered at Last Chance Gulch by the Four Georgians. The city became quite wealthy because of the gold rush, leading to many elaborate Victorian architecture buildings.

At the 2020 census, Helena's population was 32,091, making it the fifth least populous state capital in the United States and the sixth most populous city in Montana. The city serves as the principal city of the Helena Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Lewis and Clark, and Jefferson counties. The local daily newspaper is the Independent Record, and the city is served by Helena Regional Airport.

History

The area around Helena was home to many native peoples for thousands of years. Evidence shows that people lived there over 10,000 years ago.

In the early 1800s, people from the United States and British Canada began arriving to hunt animals like beavers.

Gold was discovered in nearby areas in the early 1860s, leading many people to come searching for gold. In 1864, gold was found at Last Chance Gulch by a group called the Four Georgians. This led to the founding of a mining camp. The town was named Helena in 1864.

Helena grew quickly. By 1888, there were about 50 millionaires living there, more than in any other city in the world at the time. Their wealth came from gold mining. The city developed beautiful homes and buildings from this wealth.

Helena became the capital of Montana Territory in 1875 and the state of Montana in 1889. Many people of different backgrounds moved to Helena for work and to build a new life.

Today, Helena is known for its history, outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, and its beautiful surroundings. It is also a center for government jobs and education.

Geography

Helena is surrounded by many beautiful places, including the Continental Divide, Mount Helena City Park, Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Lake Helena, Helena National Forest, the Big Belt Mountains, the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Scapegoat Wilderness, the Missouri River, Canyon Ferry Lake, Holter Lake, Hauser Lake, and the Elkhorn Mountains.

The city covers an area of 16.39 square miles (42.45 km²), most of which is land, with only a small part being water.

Climate

Helena has a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk), meaning it has long, cold winters with some snow, hot and dry summers, and short springs and autumns. Snow can fall in any month except July, but it usually only adds up to small amounts. Winters can feel a bit warmer sometimes because of warm winds called chinooks. Most rain falls in the spring and there isn’t much overall, with about 11.4 inches (290 mm) each year. The hottest it has ever gotten was 105 °F (41 °C) in 1969 and 2002, and the coldest was −42 °F (−41 °C) in 1893, 1957, and 1996.

Demographics

Helena, Montana had a population of 32,091 as of the 2020 census. The median age was 39.8 years, with 19.3% of residents under 18 and 20.7% aged 65 or older. Most people lived in urban areas, with only a small portion in rural spots.

In 2020, there were 14,924 households. About 22.6% of these had children under 18 living in them. Many households were led by couples, while others were led by single individuals. There were also many housing units, with a small number being empty.

2010 census

In 2010, Helena had 28,190 people. The city was mostly White, with small groups of other racial backgrounds. About 24.3% of households had children under 18, and many households were made up of individuals.

The median age was 40.3 years. The population was almost evenly split between males and females.

2000 census

By 2000, the population was 25,780. The city was mostly White, with small groups of other racial backgrounds. About 27.1% of households had children under 18.

The median age was 39 years. Males and females were almost equal in number.

Economy

Helena has been economically stable for a long time because it is the state capital and was built in an area rich in silver and lead. Even though this has helped the city, its economy has grown slowly. Being the capital makes Helena an important place for activity at the county, state, and federal levels.

Education plays a big role in Helena’s jobs, with two high schools and many elementary and middle schools, along with Helena College. Other major employers in the city include Carroll College and the medical community. The economy also gets support from Fort William Henry Harrison, a training place for the Montana National Guard just outside the city. This fort also houses the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, where many local people work.

Education

Helena has many places for learning. There are colleges like Carroll College, a Catholic school that opened in 1909, and Helena College University of Montana, which began in 1939 and offers training in skills and technology.

For younger students, several school districts help kids from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. The Helena Public School District includes many schools for elementary and middle grades, with over 5,000 students. High school students can attend Helena High School or Capital High School.

The city also has a big public library, which is part of the Lewis & Clark Library system, with smaller branches in nearby areas like Augusta, East Helena, and Lincoln.

Government

See also: List of mayors of Helena, Montana

Helena is led by a mayor and four city commissioners. Each of them is chosen by voters for a four-year time period.

Media

Helena has a small media market, ranking 205th in the United States. It includes several newspapers, online news sources, AM and FM radio stations, and television channels.

• Newspapers
  • Independent Record (daily, morning)
• Online news
  • Montana Free Press (statewide news source)
• AM radio
  • KKGR 680 (Oldies), KGR, LLC
  • KCAP 950 (Talk), Cherry Creek Radio
  • KROL 1430 (Classic Hits)
• FM radio
  • KUHM 91.7 (National Public Radio), Montana NPR
  • KQRV 96.9 (Country), Butte Broadcasting Incorporated
  • KHGC 98.5 (Adult Contemporary), Cherry Creek Radio
  • KBLL 99.5 (Country), Cherry Creek Radio
  • KZMT 101.1 (Classic rock), Cherry Creek Radio
  • KMXM 102.3 (Adult Contemporary), The Montana Radio Company, LLC
  • KJPZ 104.1 (Christian), Hi-Line Radio Fellowship
  • KMTX 105.3 (Adult Contemporary)
• Television
  • KXLH-LD (CBS/MTN, channel 9)
  • KUHM-TV (PBS, channel 10)
  • KTVH-DT (NBC/Independent, channel 12)
  • KHBB-LD (ABC/Fox, channel 21)

Notable people

Helena, Montana, has been home to many interesting people over the years. Some have become well-known in fields like politics, entertainment, and sports.

For example, Max Baucus served as a U.S. senator from Montana and later as an ambassador to China. Gary Cooper was a famous actor, and Charley Pride became a celebrated country music singer. Others, like Norman Holter, made important inventions, such as the Holter monitor used in medicine. The city has also seen its share of writers, artists, and leaders who have helped shape the community and the state.