The Golden Age of Helena Montana Architecture

The most distinguishing remnant from the 1860s Montana Gold Rush remains Helena's striking and statuesque architecture mirroring the prosperity of the era.

"The Golden Age of Helena Architecture" illustrates the preserved diversity and beauty of the city's commercial, residential districts, picturesque churches, attractions and historical background that distinguishes Montana state capital city.

In 1888, approximately fifty millionaires inhabited Helena, elevating its status as the highest concentration of wealth per capita within the United States.

The Golden era spawned ostentatious displays of Victorian architecture. Strolling the neighborhoods connecting the historic downtown with the state capital buildings freezes a visual time capsule of Victorian, Edwardian and early 20th century styled architecture.

The most impressive architectural attraction is the Cathedral of Saint Helena completed in November 1924 following sixteen years of construction. The gothic cathedral was modeled after the Votivkirch in Vienna, Austria. Fifty-nine installed stained glass windows depict the evolution of the Christian church from the fall of Adam and Eve to the early years of the twentieth century.

The other treasure, the Helena Civic Center, formerly known as the Algeria Shrine Temple, was constructed in 1919. It has been historically employed for civic and Shriner functions and events. The building features a 2,000-seat auditorium and 15,000 square foot ballroom and exhibition space.

Located south of the downtown, abandoned lime kilns stagger as relics from a forgotten medieval era. The Helena kilns were typified as continuous designed with vertical furnaces made of mortar, brick, wire cables and wood poles.

Helena has experienced significant trauma and devastation throughout its history. The most pronounced acts have been raging wildfires and earthquakes. The city has experienced extravagance and decline and remains notably preserved from its renowned golden age.