Helena
Later a more suitable name, Helena (He-LAY-na), was put to a vote. But the miners and the bullwhackers did not like the name's feminine ring. Consequently, the emphasis was shifted to the first syllable, with the second “e” almost silent, and HEL-e-na became the accepted pronunciation. The gold rush faded quickly, and Helena settled down to become a trade center for the surrounding goldfields.
Reminders of the early days can be found in the architecture of the buildings that line Reeder's Alley off the 200 block of South Park Avenue in southwest Helena. Said to be the oldest structure in Helena, the 1864 Pioneer Cabin, 210 Park Ave., is furnished with pioneer artifacts.
Visitor Centers
Helena Tourism Alliance 105 Reeder's Alley Helena, MT 59601. Phone:(406)449-1270
Self-guiding Tours
The Helena Montana Geocaching Tour, available through the tourism alliance, highlights 38 historic, scenic and cultural sites located in the city and in the surrounding area. The GPS-directed treasure hunt includes the Mansion District, landmark structures such as the Capitol building and the “Guardian of the Gulch” Fire Tower, and Centennial Park.
Shopping
Once the quarters of miners, muleskinners and Chinese laborers during the gold rush, the buildings along Reeder's Alley, 100 S. Park Ave., now contain specialty shops as well as an 1864 cabin furnished with pioneer artifacts.