Montana Myths & Legends

[nature's cathedral]

I don't know the history of why Helena was chosen as the state capital, but if Billings was anything in the 1880's it would have made a better location.

[nature's cathedral]

Given the extra state listed above.

[Reziac]

I don't remember any details of how MT's capital got set offhand, but I'd think at the time it was because mining was where the money was, and the gold mines were at Helena.

Wasn't it originally Virginia City? Same comment!

[cedar_bluff_tree_farm]

Helena got the state capital in large part because it was centrally located. Bozeman got the university and Deer Lodge got the prison.

[Gman2007]

I think it was first Bannack then a year later moved to Virignia City.

[mt_needs_more_hockey]

Originally Posted by nature's cathedral

I don't know the history of why Helena was chosen as the state capital, but if Billings was anything in the 1880's it would have made a better location.

Billings wasn't much untill the mid-20th century. Besides, Billings may be geographicly central but not central in the consentration of population. Other then Bozeman it is at least 3 hours from here to anyother "city". The front runners were Helena and Great Falls. Great Falls was significantly bigger at the time, but Helena won thanks to some political swindling.