An infamous town of history, Helena was established in 1852, and didn't take long to earn the reputation of the toughest town on Earth. Helena was so notorious, that during the span of one 13month period, it is believed that anywhere from 150 to 300 people were hanged for assorted crimes. One of the primary fixtures in the town's center, right out front of the remains of the old abandoned general store, is a large, old tree, known simply as "The Hanging Tree". There are abandoned and crumbling buildings in and around town. PLEASE do not approach or enter these structures as they are structurally unsound.
During its heyday in the 1880's, Helena's population peaked at 250-300, and the town boasted a courthouse, jail, newspaper, academy, drugstore, blacksmith shop, two hotels, and several saloons and general stores. A few of the original buildings have been repaired and are being preserved as part of the museum. The museum is open Fri-Mon 11am-4pm. During these hours, there is access to public restrooms.
It is reported that the son of Colonel William Butler, Emmett Butler, was killed by a stray bullet outside a bar in Helena. When he found out about it, William Butler rode into town with a few cowhands, and demanded to know who had shot his son. When no one responded, a curse is perported to have been issued: "All right! For that I'll kill the town that killed my son!" Keeping his word, William Butler, who was also a Civil War veteran and a wealthy rancher, arranged to have the tracks for the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway moved from its originally planned location of Helena, to another location 7mi away. The final killing blow that lead to the death of Helena's prosperity was when the county seat for Karnes County was voted to be moved from Helena to Karnes City in a bitterly contested election.
Cache is a small, camo'd Altoids container.