About one million people live in the fourth largest US state . The sparsely populated region, located on the border with Canada, the locals call "the country of the wide sky." The territories of one of the most beautiful states of America are declared protected areas, and the sights located here were given the status of “national historical monuments”.
A paradise for everyone
Montana (USA) - a paradise for ecotourism. Stunning mountain landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent, and national parks located on the territory are of particular interest to researchers of pristine nature.
The American state, whose name is associated with the Wild West, is covered in a special romance, although there are no cowboys here for a long time. However, entertainment shows are held in the region where you can measure your strength with a bull by trying to connect it.
The main center of the country surprises with rocky mountains, interspersed with flat lands. Travelers from all over the world adore such a contrast, striving to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and unusual sights, among which a network of Indian reservations stands out.
Montana State: Cities
The livestock staff supplying the whole country with meat and milk cannot boast of large megacities. The largest cities in the region are Billings and Missoula, whose population does not exceed 100 thousand people. In conservation areas there are small centers with infrastructure that adapts to tourist routes. For example, the city of Tri-Forks, famous for its fantastically beautiful waterfalls, combines wildlife and comfortable living conditions for all travelers.
Helena's story
The capital of Montana, located near the Missouri River, owes its appearance to the expedition of the famous explorers Lewis and Clark, who studied the Wild West. On the territory of a small settlement, scientists discovered huge deposits of precious metals, the news of which spread throughout the country.
Overflowing gold miners scattered the camp, which was initially called the "Last Chance", but with the expansion of territories, local residents raised the question of renaming the settlement, which happened in 1864. Since then, the state capital of Montana is known worldwide as Helena. In memory of gold prospectors, one of the central streets of the city bears the beautiful name “The Gorge of the Last Chance”.
Modern city life
By the beginning of the 20th century, the gold reserves of the administrative and cultural center had been depleted, and the historical annals of America included the fact of living at that time in the most prosperous settlement of 50 millionaires, whose number per capita was greater than in the richest cities in the world.
Now about 45 thousand local residents live in the capital, the main part of which are Europeans, and Latin Americans and Indians make up only three percent.
Preservation of historical places
For all tourists it will be interesting to take a fascinating tour of the silver mines of past centuries. The abandoned ranch “Last Chance” will introduce everyone to the interesting life of the first settlers of the city and show the unpretentious life of the founders of the capital.
In addition, the city’s authorities, concerned with preserving historical memory, restored the estate and residence of the first governor of the state. Now the city of Helena offers all curious foreigners to go to the restored village of the Wild West to touch the bygone days.
The main attractions
Indigenous people revere the local religious attraction - the Church of St. Helena. The most impressive Gothic building, built at the beginning of the last century, amazes all tourists with grandeur and architectural design. Pilgrims from all over the world come to pray at its walls.
The second main building for residents of the capital is the Capitol, called the heart of the city. There are local authorities who make crucial decisions and manage the life of the entire state.
The massive structure erected at the end of the last century underwent several changes over time, two more wings were added in connection with the expansion.
Hubbard Pride
The capital of Montana is proud of the founder of Scientology - Ron Hubbard. His family moved to the city when the future religious leader, whose work was ambiguously perceived, was still small. Elders remember Ron's amazing friendship with Native American tribes living near the capital.
And the main shaman even made Hubbard his blood brother, showing him a special honor. It is said that it was this friendship that influenced the formation of an outstanding personality, which is much talked about not only in America.
The wonderful capital of the state of Montana will be for all travelers not only a city with pristine nature, but also a real illustration of historical events that took place in past centuries.