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Graves in the Gulch
Manage episode 455958330 series 3578126
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The Grim is opening the gate and entering Benton Avenue Cemetery located in Helena, Montana. Established in 1870, this historic burial ground offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers, gold rush pioneers, and those who shaped Helena's frontier past. The cemetery, located near Carroll College and the old rail lines, was built on land sold by sisters Rachel and Elizabeth during Helena's booming gold discovery period at Last Chance Gulch in 1864.
Among the notable graves are those of Albert E. Haskell, a Civil War veteran whose headstone was restored thanks to volunteer efforts, and Callista Ingersoll, a midwife and caregiver who served the community. Another poignant story is that of Gussie Bach, who tragically died during childbirth and was buried alongside her newborn. The cemetery also holds somber memories of the 1885 diphtheria outbreak, which claimed the lives of Mary Dunfrey and the children she cared for, whose spirits are said to linger among the gravestones. No story of Montana is complete without a Yellowstone-like drama surrounding a historic ranch, and The Grim uncovers one of Helena's very own nearby with ties to the cemetery.
Benton Avenue Cemetery is a place where history and legend intertwine. Visitors have reported paranormal activity, including sightings of a teenage girl in a yellow dress, believed to be Fern Mary Wilson, who died in 1911. From intricate grave markers and Masonic plots to cast-iron memorials and towering obelisks, the cemetery reflects the evolving burial traditions of the 19th and early 20th centuries. With 1,473 graves, including those of veterans, pioneers, and forgotten souls, Benton Avenue Cemetery stands as a powerful testament to Helena’s storied past. Whether drawn to its history or ghostly folklore, this episode uncovers why this sacred ground continues to captivate visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
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Chapters
1. Graves in the Gulch (00:00:00)
2. [Ad] Pumpkin Hill Radio: Paranormal Mysteries, Conspiracies, and Unexplained Phenomena (00:08:28)
3. (Cont.) Graves in the Gulch (00:09:20)
52 episodes
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