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

Helena South-Central Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Helena South-Central Historic District Marker

Inscription. This first permanent settlement of the gold camp at Last Chance Gulch offers a glimpse of early Helena from the late 1860s to the 1890s. By the 1870s, a Catholic cathedral, St. John’s Hospital, two schools, and dormitories presided over the district atop Catholic Hill. In curious juxtaposition, Helena’s red-light district emerged just below along Miller and State streets in the 1880s. Mansions and modest dwellings boasted a wealth of architectural design from Second Empire to Queen Anne, Italianate, and Revival styles. The Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883 spurred economic growth and the population swelled. A German community settled on First Street and other ethnic enclaves localized in the district. The South-Central District remained a preferred location into the early 1880s, and Montana’s first governor, J. K. Toole, established residency at Rodney and State streets in 1883. But district vitality waned in the late 1880s when wealthy residents built new mansions on the city’s west side. The earthquake of 1935 left its indelible mark claiming most of Catholic Hill and other historic buildings. Wood siding replaced fallen

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brick veneer and stucco concealed exterior cracks. Though the red-light district and dozens of homes were demolished during 1970s Urban Renewal, this once robust neighborhood is still a quiet reminder of Helena’s colorful past.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 35.101′ N, 112° 2.33′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It can be reached from South Warren Street near Vawter Street. This marker is located in Fire Tower Park and may be accessed from the parking lot at the intersection of South Warren and Vawter Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Gold West Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Helena South-Central Historic District Marker

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fire Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Bluestone House (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Helena (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boston Block (about 500 feet away); 116 Broad Street (about 500 feet away); St. Louis Block (about 600 feet away); Uncle Sam's Block (about 600 feet away); The Discovery at Last Chance Gulch (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.