Helena (Mont.) Mayor records, 1890-1971

Although Helena, Montana, was settled in 1864, it did not become a formal city until 1881. Prior to that, public functions were handled by the Lewis and Clark County government and by the Helena Board of Trade. Attempts to incorporate the city repeatedly failed in general elections. Faced with increasing needs for improved streets, fire protection, and sanitation, the electorate finally approved city incorporation on March 3, 1881. Subsequent amendments to the incorporation were passed in February 1883, January 1885, and March 1885. These were formalized as the City Charter, published in 1887.

The city was headed by an elected mayor and city council. The mayor was initially authorized to appoint a city attorney, who also served as city clerk; a city marshal; one or more policemen; two nightwatchmen; a street commissioner; a city engineer/surveyor; and a fire chief. The mayor presided over the city council, administered oaths, remitted fines or granted pardons; could review the finances of city officers, and had general supervision over city officers.