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Doncaster
Round Barn
TWIN BRIDGES
Just over a mile north of Twin Bridges is the
striking Doncaster Round Barn (also known as
the Bayer's Barn). e barn was built in 1882
by Noah Armstrong, who made his fortune
in mining and was keen on having a place to
raise thoroughbreds. e first floor of the barn
held stalls for the horses, while the second floor
was used to store hay and feed. e top floor
contained a windmill-driven water system.
Armstrong had two horses that were winners
in the Kentucky Derby. Spokane, born in the
barn, won the Derby in 1889 and Lord Raglan
took third place in 1883. In 1933, the Bayer's
family purchased the barn and ranch and used
it as an auction facility for selling their pure-
bred Hereford cattle and bulls. e new owners
have restored and repurposed this beauty as a
venue for holding events and weddings.
Caterderal of
Saint Helena
HELENA
Reigning supreme over the city of Helena is
the Cathedral of Saint Helena, modeled after
the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria. Construc-
tion started in 1908, with the church holding
its first mass in November 1914. Construction
continued for 10 years at an estimated cost
of $645,000. e Cathedral was consecrated
in June 1924. An outstanding feature is the
stained glass in the Cathedral's 59 windows,
which depict scenes from the Old and New
Testament. In the fall of 1935, a series of
earthquakes in Montana severely damaged the
south tower of the Cathedral. e tower was
rebuilt and reinforced and back in business by
1938. Legend has it that Col. Raynor Roberts,
who went to high school in Helena and fought
in WWII, brought his P-51 fighter to Helena
in 1945, buzzed the houses of his mom and
girlfriend and then tilted his plane sideways
and flew between the Cathedral's spires.
Listen to the bells and organ
inside the Helena Cathedral
www.distinctlymontana.com/helena184
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In te fa of 1935, a series of eartquakes in Montana
severely damaged te sout wer of te Catedral.
e tower was rebuilt and reinforced and back in business by 1938.
