1812Military
The first European-American settlers to Helena, which they initially named Cove, were veterans of the final campaigns of the War of 1812.
1849Economy
While Scots-Irish and English traders had interaction with them, and there was some armed conflict in the early 19th century, most European-American settlers did not come to thi...
1856Architecture
By 1856, the Cove post office opened.
1864Architecture
Around 1864 a rolling mill was built on Buck Creek, near the rail lines to process the iron from Selma.
1865Civil Rights
Led by James Harrison Wilson, this force passed through the town of Helena on March 30, 1865, where they destroyed much of the newly developed industry and residential buildings.
1870Government
The railroads were rebuilt and coke ovens were established by the Eureka Company in 1870.
1873Government
The rolling mill was rebuilt in 1873, with support spurred by Rufus Cobb, later elected as a two-term governor.
1877Government
Helena initially incorporated in 1877, but reincorporated in 1917 after errors were discovered in the initial incorporation papers.
1920Government
Census until 1920, reflecting the later date of incorporation.
1923Economy
The rolling mill was closed in 1923 and many mine closures followed.
1933Disaster
==== 1933 Tornado ====
Around 3 AM on May 5, 1933, residents were awoken to a massive tornado that ripped through the heart of Helena.
2003Architecture
The Helena Sports Complex opened in 2003 and features a community center and spaces for baseball, softball, cheerleading, basketball, and soccer.
2005History
During 2005, Helena gained nationwide notice as the hometown of singer Bo Bice, who was a finalist on the popular Fox program American Idol.
2006History
Magnolia Springs Manor was the host of Sacha Baron Cohen’s character Borat in his famous 2006 hit film.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, 16,793 people, 3,828 households, and 3,043 families resided in the city.
2011Architecture
Penhale Museum opened in October 2011 in the Old Town district.
2014Education
A new high school, to accommodate the increased number of students, was constructed and opened in the fall of the 2014–15 year.
2020History
== Demographics ==
=== 2020 census ===
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 20,914 people, 6,718 households, and 5,119 families residing in the city.
2021Disaster
==== 2021 tornado ====
Another tornado struck the town on March 25, 2021, causing EF1 damage to several homes and downing trees throughout several neighborhoods.
2022History
As of 2022, the population estimate was 21,862.