History of Montana, USA

1803 - U. S. acquired most of Montana in Louisiana Purchase

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1872 - Yellowstone National Park created by Congress
In 1872, Congress passed an unprecedented act that forever changed the course of conservation and environmental protection in the United States. The Yellowstone National Park Act, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, set aside over 2 million acres of wilderness in the territories of Montana and Wyoming as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. This marked the birth of Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park.

The creation of Yellowstone National Park was a groundbreaking moment in the history of conservation. It was the first time that any government had set aside such a vast and pristine area for the specific purpose of preservation and enjoyment by the public. This act laid the foundation for the national park system in the United States and served as a model for countries around the world to set aside and protect their own natural treasures. Yellowstone's establishment as a national park was a visionary act... Read MORE...

1876 - June 25 – American Indian Wars – Battle of the Little Bighorn:
300 men of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer are wiped out by 5,000 Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.



The Battle of the Little Bighorn, fought on June 25, 1876, was a significant clash during the American Indian Wars between the United States Army and various Native American tribes, primarily the Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. Located near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory, the battle was sparked by tensions over Native American resistance to forced relocation and encroachment on their lands. Led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, the 7th Cavalry Regiment aimed to engage and subdue the Native American forces, but severely underestimated their numbers and tactical prowess.

In a surprising turn, Custer and his men encountered overwhelming resistance from a combined force of Native warriors, led by leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The battle resulted in a... Read MORE...


Read more about George Armstrong CUSTER

1880 - Utah and Northern Railroad entered Montana
In 1880, the Utah and Northern Railroad made a significant impact by extending its tracks into the vast and rugged territory of Montana. This expansion was a part of the broader efforts to connect the western United States via rail, facilitating transportation of goods, people, and ideas across the region. The arrival of the railroad in Montana marked a pivotal moment in the state's history, opening up new opportunities for settlement, commerce, and growth.

The Utah and Northern Railroad's entry into Montana brought about profound changes, stimulating economic development, and transforming the landscape. Towns and communities sprang up along the railroad's route, serving as hubs for trade and transportation. The railroad also played a crucial role in the mining industry, facilitating the movement of precious metals and minerals from the mines to markets across the country. Overall, the 1880 extension of the Utah and Northern Railroad into Montana symbolized the ongoing expansion... Read MORE...

January 13, 1888 - The mercury plunged to 65 degrees below zero at Fort Keough, located near Miles City MT. The reading stood as a record for the continental U.S. for sixty-six years.

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January 13, 1888

1888 - In his annual report on the 29th Governor Preston H. Leslie, of Montana, estimated the population of the Territory at 140,000, and said Montana was free from debt.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 3, 1888

1889 - Montana became 41st state

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1895 - Montana
Montana, one of the northwestern states of the American Union, bounded N. by British Columbia and Assiniboia, E. by North Dakota and South Dakota, S. by Wyoming and Idaho, and W. by Idaho. Its northern limit is 49° N. lat.; its eastern, 104° W, Lon.; its southern is defined principally by the 45th degree of N. lat.; and its western line for the most part follows the crest of the Bitter Root Mountains and the main chain of the Rocky Mountains. Area, 146,080 square miles...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

February 11, 1899 - Perhaps the greatest of all arctic outbreaks commenced on this date. The temperature plunged to 61 degrees below zero in Montana.

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February 11, 1899

1910 - Congress created Glacier National Park; forest fires devastated western Montana
In 1910, the U.S. Congress established Glacier National Park in Montana, marking a significant moment in the preservation of America's natural landscapes. The park, spanning over a million acres, is renowned for its stunning glaciers, pristine forests, and diverse wildlife. This creation aimed to protect the unique natural beauty and ecological significance of the area, ensuring it would remain unspoiled for future generations. The park's designation as a national treasure underscored the growing recognition of the importance of conservation in the early 20th century.

That same year, western Montana experienced catastrophic forest fires, which ravaged vast swaths of land, including areas within the newly established park. These fires, part of a broader series of wildfires known as the Great Fire of 1910, were fueled by a combination of dry conditions, high winds, and abundant timber. The devastation highlighted the challenges of managing and protecting wilderness areas, even as... Read MORE...

January 24, 1916 - The temperature at Browning MT plunged 100 degrees in just 24 hours, from 44 degrees above zero to 56 degrees below zero. It was a record 24 hour temperature drop for the U.S.

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1917 - March 4 - Jeannette Rankin of Montana becomes the first woman member of the United States House of Representatives.
On March 4, 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a member of the United States House of Representatives. This milestone occurred before women had the right to vote nationwide, highlighting Rankin's significant achievement in breaking gender barriers in American politics. Her election was a landmark moment in the women's suffrage movement, symbolizing the growing influence and political engagement of women in the early 20th century.

Rankin's tenure in Congress was notable not only for her pioneering role but also for her strong advocacy for peace and women's rights. As a committed pacifist, she was one of the few members of Congress to vote against U.S. entry into both World War I and World War II.
March 4, 1917

February 9, 1933 - The temperature at the Riverside Ranger Station in Montana dipped to 66 below zero to establish a record for the state, and a record for the nation which stood until 1954.

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1935 - Works Progress Administration (WPA) began projects; series of earthquakes hit central Montana

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1943 - February 27 – Smith Mine disaster: an explosion at Smith Mine No. 3 in Bearcreek, Montana, United States kills 74 coal miners.
On February 27, 1943, the Smith Mine disaster struck the small town of Bearcreek, Montana, marking one of the deadliest coal mining accidents in the state's history. An explosion erupted within Smith Mine #3, a subterranean coal mine, claiming the lives of 74 miners. The blast, likely caused by the ignition of methane gas combined with coal dust, resulted in an instantaneous collapse of parts of the mine, trapping many workers and making rescue operations perilous and largely unsuccessful.

The disaster had a profound impact on the local community, which was heavily reliant on the coal mining industry for its livelihood.

February 27, 1943

January 20, 1954 - The temperature at Rogers Pass, MT, plunged to 70 degrees below zero to establish a new record for the continental U.S.

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January 20, 1954

Montana has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Treasure State:
Glacier National Park:

Explore the pristine wilderness of Glacier National Park, known for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and glaciers. Hike the trails, go camping, or take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Yellowstone National Park:

While most of Yellowstone lies in Wyoming, the northern section extends into Montana. Witness the geothermal wonders, like Old Faithful, and observe the abundant wildlife.

Flathead Lake:

Montana's largest natural freshwater lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The Flathead Valley is also a great place for wine tasting.

Custer Gallatin National Forest:

This vast forest offers hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Don't miss the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness for some of the most rugged and beautiful backcountry in the state.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park:

Explore underground marvels in these limestone caverns. Guided tours take you through colorful stalactites and... Read MORE...