Walking Tour - China Row at Forestvale Cemetery In-Person
At its peak, Helena’s Chinese community made up over 20% of the city's population—a vibrant presence that has since largely disappeared, leaving few physical traces. One poignant exception is “China Row,” the cemetery used by Helena's Chinese residents. Located just outside the formal boundaries of the well-maintained Forestvale Cemetery—resting place of Montana’s early leaders—China Row sits reclaimed by the prairie. Though weathered by time, the site reveals powerful stories of perseverance, adaptation, and global interconnectedness. Through an exploration of grave markers, evolution of the Chinese language, cultural symbols, and burial practices, participants will gain an appreciation for how Chinese Montanans upheld rich cultural traditions in the face of discrimination. This tour, led historian and author Mark Johnson, offers a unique lens into Helena’s past, highlighting the enduring impact of a community whose legacy deserves to be remembered.
This tour is being offered as part of the Community of Outdoor Resource Educators summer walk series. Prior registration is required via the CORE summer walk series website: Event - China Row Cemetery: Exploring Helena’s Chinese Heritage and Burial Traditions - August 19, 2025 in Helena, MT. Registration opens on August 5 and is limited to 20 participants.
- Date:
- Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Time:
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Time Zone:
- Mountain Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Rd, Helena
- Audience:
- Adults Families
- Categories:
- Special Tour