Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
U.S.S. Helena
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
1. U.S.S. Helena Marker
(Six bronze plaques are mounted on this marker:)
1896-1932
The first ship named after the state capital city was the gunboat "Helena." She saw action in Cuban waters during the Spanish-American War and later joined the Asiatic Squadron for the Philipine (sic) Insurrection and was part of the Yangtze and South China patrols.
U.S.S. Helena CL50
1939-1943
The war record of this "Helena" has no equal. Damaged at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 she sailed again to action at Guadalcanal, Savo island, and Cape Esperance where she sank a Japanese Cruiser and a destroyer. She was lost in Kula Gulf in 1943 with 168 of her crew. Her surviors (sic) call her "the fighting ship that went in harms way."
U.S.S. Helena CA-75 1945-1972
The heavy cruiser "Helena" was purchased by the People of Montana with "War Bonds" in 1944. She saw distinguished service in European and Chinese waters and combat service in Korea. During this time Helena served as flagship U.S. Pacific Fleet and Seventh Fleet. She became Flagship First Fleet in 1972. Her crew gave financial assistance to crippled children in Helena.
U.S.S. Helena SSN-725
1987-
Our newest "Helena" was built at the Electric Boat Company in Connecticut
this page online
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is July 6, 1943.
Location. 46° 35.091′ N, 112° 2.452′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Memorial can be reached from South Last Chance Gulch near East Broadway Street, on the right when traveling north. This portion of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrian mall and is closed to vehicular traffic. The display is located in Anchor Park opposite the Lewis and Clark Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 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. The Discovery at Last Chance Gulch (within shouting distance of this marker); Broadwater Resort (within shouting distance of this marker); Bluestone House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Uncle Sam's Block (about 300 feet away); California Wine House (about 400 feet away); The Founding of Helena (about 400 feet away);
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
2. U.S.S. Helena FG-9 Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
3. U.S.S. Helena CL50 Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
4. U.S.S. Helena CA-75 Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
5. U.S.S. Helena SSN-725 Marker and Coat-of-Arms
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 14, 2021
6. U.S.S. Helena Memorial
Artifacts on display are from U.S.S. Helena CA-75.
The "Firetower" which appears on the U.S.S. Helena SSN-725 coat-of-arms is seen on the hill above the memorial.
The "Firetower" which appears on the U.S.S. Helena SSN-725 coat-of-arms is seen on the hill above the memorial.
Photographed By Commons.wikipedia.org
7. U.S.S. Helena FG-9 Marker
Photographed By Commons.wikipedia.org
8. U.S.S. Helena CL-50
Photographed By Commons.wikipedia.org
9. U.S.S. Helena CA-75
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer
10. U.S.S. Helena SSN-725
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 328 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on November 25, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
