This Cache is part of the Helena, Montana GeoExpeditionMT. GeoExpeditionMT spans the scenic Helena area from the heights of MacDonald Pass, through historic downtown gulch then south to Boulder and the Elkhorn Ghost Town. View GeoExpedition rules and DOWNLOAD a PASSPORT here.
Easy find within reach, small container with log (no pencil). This Cache is part of the Helena, Montana GeoExpeditionMT and is placed with the approval of the state. The Old Governor’s Mansion (OGM) was built by a William Chessman in 1888. Mr. Chessman, originally from Massachusetts, made his fortune from mining and water interests. The city of Helena still receives a portion of their water from the Chessman reservoir South of town. The Queen Style home was built to show his wealth at the time; however he lost most of his fortune in 1893 depression or silver panic. He sold his home in 1900 to a Peter Larson, who in turn sold it to a Harfield Conrad in 1911. In 1913 the State of Montana purchased the home from the Conrad estate to use as a governor’s residence. The first Governor to live here was Samuel Stewart and his wife Stella and three young girls; Leah, Marjorie and Emily. The mansion continued to serve that purpose until 1959 when a new residence was built east of the Capital building. The Montana Historical Society has operated this residence as a historical site since 1980. Please check the information board for available tours.