Spotlight on Helena, Montana

We started our day picking up a historical guide who introduced us to the historical west end of Helena where many of the millionaires chose to live in the late 1800s.  By 1885 Helena had more millionaires than any other city in the U.S. which really amazed us.  Gold had been found here in the 1860s  and entrepreneurs took advantage of the miners with high dollar food, tools, and other such things.  So it was that bankers, shop owners, transportation companies, and cattle ranchers became wealthy because they had things the miners needed.

The homes were architecturally eclectic as the owners wanted a variety of different details they'd seen in pictures and experienced when they traveled.  Thus places might look somewhat like a tudor but then have Italianite details with some French look throw in.  They were interesting to hear about but it was tough to see them because of the number of trees and tall bushes blocking views from the road.

We then visited the Montana Historical Society Museum but sadly there just wasn't enough time to fully enjoy all that it had to offer.  We decided to check out the Lewis and Clark area that put a good deal of emphasis on the Indian's living in the Montana area and the contrast of their life style to that of the "white man."  Yet most of the time they were very accepting of the Corps of Discovery as they did not pose a threat because they were a small group and a woman and baby were traveling with them, 

Across the street was the Montana Capital building which we then toured.  It was very similar to the South Dakota capital that we toured a couple of weeks ago since South Dakota actually bought the architectural plans from Montana.  But it was interesting to see how much "window dressing" changes it.  

There was some activity around the building but very little since they just finished being in session.   In Montana the legislature only meets for 90 business days at the beginning of every other year!!!! And they only earn money when they are in session!!!  

This was the former Supreme Court.  It has now been moved to another building and the room is used for committee meetings when needed.

And this is the Senate chambers

In the House chambers there was a magnificent painting done by Charles Russell across the front of the room

After lunch at a local hotel, we returned to the campground for our travel meeting.  Then we drove back into town with Frank and Bette Foulke to tour the Cathedral of St Helena. 

After doing a bit of shopping we returned to have dinner and then enjoyed some social time around a fire with our fellow travelers.

Enjoying popcorn made by our tailender, Dan Johnson

While we sat there we watched the sky around us thinking any minute it would start to storm.  Instead the winds swirled and kept pushing off the rain clouds to the northwest and all we got was a sprinkle.