All this had been accomplished in less than twenty years, and without the assistance of the railroad or the energizing influence of river navigation.

The railroad had not yet penetrated into this mountainous region, and the Missouri river was fourteen miles distant.

To the adventurous spirit of gold-hunting Americans had Helena owed its origin and growth, and its resources were unknown until 1864, when a party of prospecting miners discovered unmistakable evidences of rich yielding gold and silver mines in the immediate vicinity of what is now the thriving city of Helena.
Following this discovery, thousands of gold-hunters sought this new "Eldorado," and in a few months a populous community had taken possession of the ground.

Within a year after this the territory of Montana was formed, and from its central location and large population, Helena was chosen as the capital.

From this time the success of the city was assured, emigration continued, the mines showed no signs of diminution, and the town soon aspired to the dignity of a city, despite its remoteness from the river, the railroad and the telegraph.