Helper

History

With the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) in 1881–82, Helper began to develop as a population center. By 1887 the D&RGW had erected some twenty-seven frame residences, with more built later in the year. The railroad planned to make Helper a freight terminal after the rail lines were changed from narrow to standard gauge. The changeover process began in 1889 and was completed in 1891. In 1892, Helper designated the division point between the eastern and western D&RGW terminals in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Ogden, Utah, respectively, and a new depot, hotel, and other buildings were constructed. On April 21, 1897, Butch Cassidy and Elzy Lay robbed the Pleasant Valley Coal Company in nearby Castle Gate; they stayed in Helper the day before. It was said that Butch Cassidy later came back to Helper for occasional visits. Adjacent to Helper is Spring Glen. It was first established in 1880, with Teancum Pratt being one of the first settlers. A Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized there in 1885 with Francis Marion Ewell as president. It was made a ward in 1889. As of 1930, less than 20% of the population in Spring Glen were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Helper's growth proceeded in a slow but deliberate fashion bearing little resemblance to booming metal-mining towns. The first amenities offered to the few settlers and numerous railroad workers included three saloons, one grocery store, and one clothing establishment. A school was built in 1891. By 1895 the D&RGW buildings and shops at Helper were lighted by electricity, and two reservoirs for water had been constructed. Ethnic diversity was destined to become a chief characteristic of Helper. Industrial expansion, coal mining,…

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land, along the Price River. Helper has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa).

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Carbon High
  High · PRICE · 1,023 students · 21.8:1 ratio
• Mont Harmon Middle
  Middle · PRICE · 601 students · 20.7:1 ratio
• Creekview School
  Elementary · PRICE · 450 students · 23.7:1 ratio
• Castle Heights School
  Elementary · PRICE · 422 students · 21.1:1 ratio
• Pinnacle Canyon Academy
  Other · Price · 407 students · 16.3:1 ratio
• Sally Mauro School
  Elementary · HELPER · 318 students · 18.7:1 ratio
• Helper Middle
  Middle · HELPER · 205 students · 17.1:1 ratio
• Castle Valley Center
  Other · PRICE · 85 students · 10.6:1 ratio