Helena

Helena (pronounced, contrary to the classical quantity, Helē'na; as is also the island St Helena), capital of Montana, is situated among foot-hills in the Prickly Pear Valley, about 14 miles from the Missouri River, with the Rocky Mountains rising behind the city to the south. It is the commercial and railway centre of the state, connected with the Manitoba and Northern Pacific railways, and by branch-lines with several mining camps. Many of the streets are wide and straight, shaded with rows of cottonwood-trees, and faced with handsome residences and business premises; and the city has now electric lights and horse-tramways. The most prominent building is the county court-house, containing the Montana government offices; there are also a government assay office, several churches, schools, and libraries, and a Catholic academy and convent, hospital, and asylum for the insane, besides quartz, flour, and lumber mills. A board of trade was organised in 1887. Gold was found here in July 1864, the first log-cabins were erected in September, and the camp was known as Last Chance Gulch until December, when it received its present name. Pop. (1880) 3624; (1890) 13,834.—There is another Helena in Arkansas; pop. 5185.