Archives West Finding Aid

On August 23, 1872, a major fire swept downtown Helena destroying twenty-three residences, the old post office, the Masonic Hall, the U.S. Assessor's Office, and the Federal Marshal's office. This fire, and a history of costly fires dating back to 1869, prompted the residents of Helena to subscribe $3157.50 for a fire department and fire fighting equipment.

Fire Department treasurer TH Kleinschmidt purchased the needed equipment and hired professional fire fighters. This force was augmented by a volunteer crew including many of the most prominent citizens of Helena. By 1879, the fire house, located on Clore Street, contained a rotary engine, a hand engine, two hose reels, and a hook and ladder wagon.

In 1874 a permanent watch tower was built on Tower Hill. The tower had a three hundred and sixty degree view of town, and was equipped with a bell, which could be rung in such a manner as to indicate which of the six wards the fire was in. The bell was also used to announce the 8:30 curfew for children. The original bell was replaced in 1886 by one which remained until 1935. The "Guardian of the Gulch" remains as a reminder of the early history of fires in Helena.