Helena Marsh gets its name from the old settlement of Helena, WI.
In the 1840s, Helena was a thriving town whose major claim to fame
was the shot tower used for making lead shot. Helena was once
considered as the site of Wisconsin's state capital.
Increase Lapham's 1844 Geographical and Topographical
Description of Wisconsin stated "HELENA, is
situated on the Wisconsin river, near the mouth of Pipe creek,
seven miles below Arena, fifteen miles from Dodgeville, and about
the same from the Blue Mounds. The most important business done at
this place is the manufacture of shot, by the "Wisconsin Shot
Company" -- the only place in Wisconsin here shot is manufactured.
The view of the valley of the Wisconsin from the top of the shot
tower at this place is described as very fine, extending a great
distance. The river is seen winding through the rich, flat valley,
which is bordered on both sides by high hills, with here and there
rocky cliffs, separated by well wooded coves or vales. Besides the
operations at the shot tower, there is much other business done at
Helena, in the shipment of pig lead, and the receipt of lumber from
the Upper Wisconsin, to supply the surrounding country."
The Helena Marsh area actually consists of more than 900 acres.
However, most is accessible only by boat except in winter. The
backwaters near the landing are often the scene of ice fishermen in
winter and small boats in warmer weather. There is a public boat
landing as well as a small fishing dock. There are many species of
birds to be seen at any time of the year. While in the area, you
should consider visiting nearby Shot Tower State Park.
The cache is a small, pint sized, camo covered jar with a srew-on
lid. Please make sure the lid is securely fastened and the cache is
placed exactly where it was.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Steve
Colden, Riverway Coordinator, of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches
placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resouce managed lands
require permission by means of a notification form. Please print
out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required
information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR
Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at:
http://www.wi-geocaching.com/modules.php?name=Wiki&pagename=Hiding%20A%20Cache
.