Old Fire Tower (Guardian of the Gulch)

Old Fire Tower (Guardian of the Gulch): Fire Tower

Helena, MT

Phone: 406-442-4120

Additional Information:
  • History
  • Nature

The Old Fire Tower, called Guardian of the Gulch, is an official city landmark. This twenty-five foot fire tower was built in 1876 after a huge fire destroyed the downtown area. The octagonal cab was added in 1886 and last used in 1931. The Guardian of the Gulch was manned around the clock to keep watch over the city. If a fire was spotted, the alarm was sounded to alert the town to begin fighting a fire. The Guardian is the last remaining tower of the many that once existed in Helena. In fact it is one of only five of its kind left standing in the United States.

A hiking trail up to the tower is found off Cruse Avenue just across Broadway. A number of planting projects and weed control programs have created a hillside park for picnicking. The view from the hill encompasses Helena and the surrounding Scapegoat, Little Belt, and Sleeping Giant mountain ranges.

In the area

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  1. DoubleTree
    DoubleTree
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  2. Carolina B&B
    Carolina B&B
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  3. The Sanders - Helena's Bed and Breakfast
    The Sanders - Helena's Bed and Breakfast
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  4. Helena Accommodations
    Helena Accommodations
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  5. The Helena House
    The Helena House
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  6. Budget Inn Express
    Budget Inn Express
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  7. The Bunkhouse Helena
    The Bunkhouse Helena
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  8. Hayes House
    Hayes House
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  9. Sleepy Senator Tourist House
    Sleepy Senator Tourist House
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  10. Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel
    Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel
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  11. Lamplighter Motel
    Lamplighter Motel
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  12. Montana Inn
    Montana Inn
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  13. Ramada By Wyndham Helena
    Ramada By Wyndham Helena
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  14. Helena Best Apartment
    Helena Best Apartment
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  15. Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham
    Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham
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  16. Knight's Extended Stay
    Knight's Extended Stay
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  17. Days Inn
    Days Inn
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  18. Shilo Inn and Suites
    Shilo Inn and Suites
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  19. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Helena
    Howard Johnson by Wyndham Helena
    Helena, MT
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  20. La Quinta Inn & Suites
    La Quinta Inn & Suites
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