In 1888, a large lead smelter was built on the banks of Prickly Pear Creek in the Helena Valley by the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO). East Helena grew up around that enterprise. For over a century, the smelter processed 70,000 tons of lead bullion a year, and provided a livelihood for thousands of families. It also produced untold tons of toxic contaminants. In 1984, the Environmental Protection Agency named East Helena as a Superfund cleanup site. ASARCO smelting operations were suspended in 2001.

Looking west on Main St. in the town of East Helena, ca. 1900. Mount Helena can be faintly seen in the distance.

 

 

 

American Smelting & Refining Co. lead and zinc smelter in East Helena, ca 1900. The soil and groundwater in the area are contaminated with a variety of toxic substances.

 

 

The East Helena American Smelting & Refining Co. smelter from another angle, ca. 1900.

 

 

 

Repairing the smelter stack, 1946. COLLECTION OF WES AND CAROL SYNNESS

 

 

 

Souvenir lead ingot from the East Helena ASARCO Smelter, date unknown.

 

Souvenir lead ingot from the East Helena ASARCO Smelter, 1960s.

A recent satellite view of the East Helena smelter.

Ca. 1900 advertising pocket mirror from the Anderson & Steckler General Mercantile , East Helena.

 

 

Barber Oscar Jarvi in front of Kelly's Barber Shop, Main St., East Helena, 1950s. COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD

 

 

When Highway 287 passed through the center of East Helena, the city was notorious as a speed trap. This badge was a familiar sight to many hard-traveling motorists who failed to brake quickly enough from 75 to 25 mph.

 

Located about 30 miles southeast of Helena, Townsend was created by the Great Northern Railroad In 1883. For a history of the community, please visit this page by Jim Holland, Jr.

Potato Race, Main St., Townsend Montana, July 4, 1914. Potato Race?

Main Street, Townsend, Montana 1916. Note the crosswalk.

 

Main Street of Townsend, Montana 1940s

 

 

 

Townsend, Montana., ca. 1960. A familiar sight to Helena travelers.

 

 

 

The River Inn, a venerable roadhouse just north of Townsend, Montana.

 

East of Townsend is the Toston Dam on the Missouri River. It was completed in 1940. COURTESY OF TOM KILMER