Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Helena, Financial Center of Montana

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

1. Helena, Financial Center of Montana Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

By 1876 Helena was firmly established as the financial center of Montana. Nine banks were organized by 1890 and were equipped to handle "dust" which was the prime medium of exchange. Gold scales served as the cash register of the day. The gold, which was evaluated by weight and degree of fineness, brought an average of 17 dollars and 60 cents an ounce.
Some, who got little or none of the tremendous wealth directly from the gold fields, amassed fortunes in ranches, railroads, trade, real estate, and banking. This heavy concentration of wealth coupled with the small population gave Helena the reputation of being, per capita, the wealthiest city in the world

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 46° 35.214′ N, 112° 2.366′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on North Last Chance Gulch near East Broadway Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 North Last Chance Gulch, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Atlas Block (a few steps from this marker); Montana's Capital

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Original Helena Streetcar (within shouting distance of this marker); Placer Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank Securities Building (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Louis Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Raleigh and Clarke Dry Goods (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sands Brothers Dry Goods (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

2. Helena, Financial Center of Montana Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.