On this day: the founding of Helena, Montana.

On the 30th of October 1864, Helena, later Montana, USA’s capital, was officially founded.

Panorama of Helena, Montana, in 1870 (or possibly 1872, per other source).

Helena in either 1870 or 1872

The city was founded after the discovery of gold in the area in July the same year. A small group of men met and selected the name on the day of the official founding. By that time the town had grown to a population of more than two-hundred.

As it was the day before Halloween, other names that were suggested included Pumpkinville and Squashtown.