Helena, Montana

Helena was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush, and was established in 1864. Over $3.6 billion of gold was extracted in the city limits over a duration of two decades, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the United States by the late nineteenth century. The concentration of wealth contributed to the city’s prominent, elaborate Victorian architecture.  Helena, at an altitude of 4,058 feet offers many options for outdoor enthusiasts which include hiking, mountain biking, boating, and Nordic skiing.  Helena also has a strong art and local theatre community, museums, restaurants, shopping, an international airport, and two colleges.