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

Montana's Capital

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

1. Montana's Capital Marker

Inscription. Montana Territory was created by Congress on May 26, 1864. The first Legislature sat in Bannack but was moved less than a year later to booming Virginia City. Ten years later, the capital was located in Helena and despite effort of Silver Bow mining tycoons to move it to Anaconda, it has stayed.
State government sat in these present courthouses for more than 20 years until the permanent Capitol was built amid much scandal. Two sets of architects' plants were apparently drawn up in an effort to swindle more than 2,000,000 dollars during its construction. The plot was exposed and 3 years later, July 4, 1902, the building capped with its huge copper dome, was dedicated.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions. A significant historical date for this entry is May 26, 1864.

Location. 46° 35.192′ N, 112° 2.388′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on South Last Chance Gulch near East Broadway Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 South 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. Original Helena Streetcar (here, next to this marker); St. Louis Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Raleigh and Clarke Dry Goods (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Sands Brothers Dry Goods (within shouting distance of this marker); Dunphy Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Helena, Financial Center of Montana (within shouting distance of this marker); Boston Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Atlas Block (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021

2. Montana's Capital 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 120 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.