Helena, State capital in Lewis and Clark County, United States
Helena serves as the capital of Montana in the western United States and rests at an elevation of 1181 meters between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. The town spreads along a valley with gentle hills rising to the south and offers a network of 129 kilometers of recreational trails through forests and open terrain.
The discovery of gold in 1864 transformed a simple camp into a flourishing town with around 50 millionaires by 1888. After the gold rush ended, Helena became the capital of Montana in 1894 and began building government offices and civic structures.
The Montana State Capitol Building welcomes visitors at the center of town, while the Cathedral of St. Helena towers over the western end with its twin spires. Trails in the south hills draw locals for mountain biking and jogging, and the historic Last Chance Gulch district remains a popular gathering spot for cafés and small shops.
The South Hills Trail System offers 120 kilometers of mountain biking routes accessible directly from many streets in the southern part of town. In winter, some trails may become impassable due to snow, while summer brings dry conditions and longer daylight hours.
The Hotel Broadwater and Natatorium, built in 1889, housed the first indoor swimming pool in the world until an earthquake forced its closure in 1935. The old wooden fire tower on Tower Hill still offers a wide view over town and recalls early firefighting efforts.
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