Since the 1870’s and 1880’s there was a stage coach route between Helena and gold camps in the Big Belt mountains. This route passed through East Helena where the Prickly Pear House way station was the place where horses and drivers changed and food and lodging was provided giving rise to the city’s business district. Around 1883, the Northern Pacific railroad came to the area of this city; however the city grew around the lead smelter built on the banks of Prickly Pear Creek by the Helena and Livingston Lead Smelting company. The annual East Helena Valley NRA Rodeo is held in July at the East Helena Rodeo arena. The annual Bob Glass Memorial In-County Rodeo, with 125 timed events, precedes the big event. The city’s recently renovated pool is located in Kennedy park.