Q 01/05

By 1888, gold-rich Helena, Montana, was said to have more of which residents per capita than any city in the world?

A) Lawyers

B) Saloon keepers

C) Millionaires

D) Bankers

Answer · why

C) Millionaires

Millionaires numbered about 50 in Helena by 1888, their fortunes made from the gold camp. Their money built the ornate Victorian neighborhoods the cit...

Q 02/05

Pumpkinville and Squashtown were proposed names for Helena, Montana, at an 1864 meeting held just before which holiday?

A) Halloween

B) Thanksgiving

C) Christmas

D) Independence Day

Answer · why

A) Halloween

Halloween was one day away when the camp's men met on October 30, 1864, to name the gold camp. Tomah was also suggested before Helena won out.

Q 03/05

Which Hollywood star of classic Westerns, a two-time Best Actor Oscar winner, was born in Helena, Montana, in 1901?

A) John Wayne

B) James Stewart

C) Henry Fonda

D) Gary Cooper

Answer · why

D) Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper left Helena High School after two years to work as a cowboy on his family's ranch. His Oscars came for Sergeant York and High Noon.

Q 04/05

Which natural disaster struck Helena, Montana, in October 1935, wrecking its newly completed high school?

A) A tornado

B) An earthquake

C) A flash flood

D) A blizzard

Answer · why

B) An earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 hit on October 18, 1935, the largest in a swarm of about 1,800 tremors. Four people died, and many residents lived in t...

Q 05/05

Which metal covers the exterior of the dome of the Montana State Capitol, the neoclassical landmark in Helena?

A) Copper

B) Gold leaf

C) Bronze

D) Silver

Answer · why

A) Copper

Copper sheathes the dome, which was made taller in 1901 after officials asked for a more imposing building. One architect objected, wanting a low dome...