Introduction to Helena, Alabama
Helena, Alabama, in Shelby county, is 7 miles S of Hoover, Alabama (center to center) and 145 miles W of Atlanta, Georgia. The city is included in the Birmingham metropolitan area.
Helena History
Helena was founded in 1845 as the town of Cove. It was renamed Hillsboro in 1856. In the same year, a rolling mill was established in the area to produce arms for the Confederacy. The city was originally served by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Later on, the city was renamed after Helen Lee Boyle, wife of the railroad engineer Peter Boyle. The city's first mayor was M.H. Williams. The City of Helena was reincorporated in 1917 because the papers of its first incorporation had errors.
Helena and nearby Attractions
- Alabama Wildlife Center
- Oak Mountain State Park
- Fort Morgan Beach
- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
- Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park
- Tannehill Historical State Park
Things To Do In Helena
Helena offers easy access to Oak Mountain State Park. One can also visit the Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama, Southern Museum of Flight, Birmingham Museum of Art, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington, and Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. You can also enjoy canoeing, fishing, and wading on Lake Davidson and Buck Creek. The city organizes several annaul recreational events such as the Buck Creek Festival.
Helena Transportation
Birmingham International Airport can be reached within several minutes.
Helena Higher Education
University of Montevallo and Samford University are the nearest universities.
