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

Discovery of Gold in Last Chance Gulch

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

1. Discovery of Gold in Last Chance Gulch Marker

Inscription. On this placer mining claim, gold was discovered on July 14, 1864 by John Cowand and John Crab of Georgia, Bob Stanley of London, England and D.J. Miller of California known as "The Georgians" who were returning from an unsuccessful prospecting expedition to the Kootenai country. This district was called "Last Chance Gulch" until October 30th 1864, when it was named Helena.
This memorial of the achievements of these pioneers is erected
by the
Historical Society of Montana
and the
Society of Montana Pioneers

Si Monumentum Requiris Circumspice

Erected by Historical Society of Montana and the Society of Montana Pioneers.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is July 14, 1864.

Location. 46° 35.344′ N, 112° 2.313′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is at the intersection of North Last Chance Gulch and East 6th Avenue on North Last Chance Gulch. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 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. Power Block and Power Block West (within shouting distance of this marker); Helena Historic District (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Goodkind Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Gold Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Montana Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Eybel's Cafe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York Block (about 300 feet away); Diversity in Helena (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

2. Discovery of Gold in Last Chance Gulch Marker

The marker is on the Last Chance Gulch, right side of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.