Weaverville Off The Beaten Path Tips by GaryAlan

Old Helena --- Old Mining Ghost Town

Old Helena is a Ghost Town today but once was a colorful and bustling "Old West" mining town. Boasting in its heyday, a billiard's saloon, several hotels, a general store, blacksmith's shop, brewery, lodging house, etc. The town is named for Helena Josephine (Hall) Meckel.

Many of the old buidings are still standing. The photo shows the Schlomer "Brewery" -- built in 1859. In addition to a brewery, over the years it served many functions including schoolhouse, and, Catholic Mass was sometimes held here.

Old Helena is easy to find ---- about a ten minute drive downriver (on 299 West) from Weaverville. But please note: it's private property. Please respect that. A county road runs through the old town, though, and offers close views of many of the surviving buildings.