Montana's capital, Helena, situated in the center of the western half of the state, was originally known as Last Chance, for a party of disheartened gold-diggers decided to have one final dig here and struck gold - a seam that produced 20 million dollars' worth. In the State Capitol is one of Charles M. Russell's major works, a large mural
showing Lewis and Clarke meeting the Flathead Indians. The Montana Historical Society Museums exhibits Indian artifacts and objects relating to the Wild West.
Archaeological evidence has shown that people have occupied the greater Helena area for approximately 12,000 years. It became a "transitional zone" for such tribes as the Blackfeet, the Salish, the Crow, and the Bannock. In 1864, "the Four Georgians" discovered placer gold in Last Chance Creek and the town became a trade center for the surrounding gold fields.
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