Established about 1850, Bagdad–North Fork–Helena served for more than 70 years as a supply center for gold mining activity on the North Fork, East Fork of North Fork, and main Trinity River. At one time this fine ranch boasted a hotel, store, livery stable, blacksmith shop, brewery, warehouse, and several residences. This brick building was erected by Christian Meckel in 1858 with brick made locally, and the brick building to the south was erected by Harm Schlomer about 1860. The Helena Post Office was established in 1891 and named for Helena Meckel.