Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 1 0 8 G E T T O K N O W G E T T O K N O W A C O U N T Y A C O U N T Y L E W I S A N D C L A R K L E W I S A N D C L A R K M ONTANA TERRITORY CAME INTO BEING ON MAY 26, 1864, after Sidney Edgerton convinced Presi- dent Lincoln to divide Idaho Territory. Lincoln named Edgerton Montana's first territorial governor, and on June 2, 1865, Edgerton County became one of Montana's original nine counties. Edgerton was a strong Abolitionist and a Republican. Most of the territory's population were Southern sympathizers, including much of the Territorial Legislature. When Edgerton left Montana in a futile attempt to secure federal funds for the Territory, the Legislature lost no time in removing Edgerton's name. On March 1, 1868, Ed- gerton County took its new name, Lewis and Clark County. Visitors to Lewis and Clark County will want to spend time in Helena. The State Capitol is well worth a visit, as is the Montana Historical Society's Museum just east of the Capitol building. Gold attracted people to the region, and Helena's "main street" is a memorial to the early prospectors. Much of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrian mall, and the turn-of-the-century architecture lining the sidewalks attracts the eye, just as the various window displays attract shoppers. Stop for an ice cream sundae, or pur- chase hand-made candies at the Parrot Confectionery at 42 Last Chance Gulch. If you're looking for a hardier meal, try the Windbag Saloon at 19 S. Last Chance Gulch. The Windbag, formerly known as Big Dorothy's, was, until 1973, a brothel op- erating right in the heart of the city. The mad- am, Dorothy Putnam Baker, was known as Big Dorothy. Today, the restaurant and bar attract a varied crowd, and you're likely to run into both legislators and lobbyists in this former bordello. Helena has many other fine dining establishments, but you won't regret stopping at either of these historic venues. Other places to visit while downtown include the Cathedral of St. Helena, with its twin spires, the Myrna Loy Theatre at 15 N. Ewing Street, across from the county's historic courthouse, the Holter Museum of Art at 12 E. Lawrence, and the Civic Center at 340 Neill Avenue. The Civic Center got its start as a Shri- ners temple. You can't miss it—it's probably the only building in Montana to have a minaret. Heading west from the Civic Center, cross Park and wander through the residential area where you'll find hundred-year-old mansions. At the turn of the 20th century, Helena had more millionaires per capita than any other U.S. town, and these homes show what that kind of money could build. Further west, visit the Archie Bray Founda- tion at 2915 Country Club Avenue. Formerly a brickyard, the foundation attracts ceramic artists from around the world. Archie Bray sold his bricks to Montana building proj- ects by offering original art with each purchase. Rudy Autio and Peter Voulkos, recognized as founders of modern American ce- article and photos by BRYAN SPELLMAN HELENA

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