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about

What is

the gulch?

The Gulch is Helena Montana’s downtown district. It is also the public facing brand of the Business Improvement District.

 

The goals of The Gulch are to unite the downtown business and property owners with the greater community, sponsor events, sponsor grants that help downtown businesses thrive, and promote economic growth and local small businesses.

The history

last chance gulch : the heart of helena

Last Chance Gulch is the iconic name given to the actual gulch where gold was first discovered in Helena, Montana, in 1864. Initially, the thoroughfare built along the gulch was simply called Main Street. However, in 1953, it was officially renamed Last Chance Gulch, reflecting its historical significance.

gold rush

The story begins in 1864 when a group of prospectors, referred to as the "Four Georgians," stumbled upon a promising gold deposit while returning from a fruitless search. This final attempt, or "last chance," proved to be a success. Word of their discovery spread like wildfire, attracting thousands of hopeful miners to the area.

Helena rapidly grew from a tent city into a bustling mining town, with Last Chance Gulch as its central artery. Saloons, gambling halls, and general stores sprang up to cater to the miners' needs, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

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Last Chance Gulch, once the heart of Helena’s gold rush era, has transformed into a vibrant downtown district. While its historic buildings stand as testaments to the city’s pioneering spirit, the Gulch now offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Visitors can explore unique shops, savor diverse cuisine, and immerse themselves in local culture, all while experiencing a taste of the Wild West.

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Learn more about Helena and the surrounding areas on Helena As She Was

MAP DESIGN BY GOODSON DESIGNS

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The brand

the gulch: downtown helena

Helena's downtown is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.​ â€‹Last Chance Gulch or "The Gulch" belongs to all of us. It is a district that connects all of downtown, all of our businesses, and it connects our gold mining, vigilante filled history, with our bright future.

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the logo
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The typography was inspired by the ghost art and ads on the sides of many of our old buildings.

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The pick axe is a tribute to our mining history.

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The primary logo is at at slant because a gulch is a steep sided ravine. 

 

S.T. Pearson

Downtown Helena is beautiful. It is full of interesting buildings from the time when Helena was a wealthy town because of all of the gold discovered in the area. It has great restaurants and the walking mall is beautiful.

r. Bobbie

Downtown Helena is really cool. The 1800’s architecture is some of the best I’ve seen in the north west​.

SDB545

Downtown Helena is a unique Montana gem. here are a variety of shops, breweries, wine bars, restaurants and parks. Helena has one of Montana’s rare walking malls through several blocks of Downtown. It can be a bit chilly in the winter, but it truly comes alive in the summer.
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