Helena

Helena (pop. 24,569), state capital of Montana and seat of Lewis and Clark County. Located in the fertile Prickly Pear Valley, Helena lies in the mountainous west-central part of the state at an altitude of 4,155 ft (1,263 m). In 1864 gold was discovered in Last Chance Gulch, and Helena became a boom town. Gold and silver mining still provide a large revenue, along with agricultural produce and manufactured items like paint, machine parts, cement, and fire engines. Lead and zinc ores are refined in East Helena. The State Historical Museum and Library, containing an important collection of Western art, and Carroll College (established 1909) are located here.

See also: Montana.