Imagine if Montana's minerals had never been discovered. You probably can't, because our gems play such a big role in our story. Many other events that have occurred in the Treasure State over the last few hundred years have made their mark in history, changing our state forever. In no particular order, there are a few important events in Montana history that what it is today:
1. Battle of the Little Bighorn
This bloody battle in 1876 left hundreds of people dead, leaving its mark on Montana's history forever.
2. The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Lewis and Clark's travels through Montana sparked an interest in the area, with trappers arriving not long after. Clark even carved his signature into a rock at Pompey's Pillar, literally writing his name down in our state history.
3. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway
When the Northern Pacific Railway reached Montana in 1883, it was a huge game-changer. The railroad served a large area, including extensive trackage in the states of Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.
4. The passing of the Enlarged Homestead Act
When the Enlarged Homestead Act passed in 1909, thousands and thousands of farmers flocked to the state looking for affordable land.
5. Quake Lake
Talk about leaving your mark. This lake is the result of a 7.5 earthquake that struck Montana in 1959, killing 28 people. The earthquake was the most powerful Montana had ever seen, at least in recorded history, and now we're left with a permanent reminder.
6. The construction of the Fort Peck Dam
Of the six major dams along the Missouri River, Fort Peck's is the tallest and the most massive. Its construction brought numerous jobs to the area, and the electricity it has been generating since has been extremely beneficial.
On February 27, 1943, an explosion in the Smith Mine near Bearcreek killed 74 hardworking miners. Virtually every household in Washoe and Bearcreek was touched by the tragedy, and the mine never reopened. Since the explosion robbed 74 Montanans of their lives, it's impossible not to think about what the area would be like had they lived.
8. "A River Runs Through It"
Robert Redford's movie was filmed in Montana in 1993, sparking a huge increase in tourism to the state. No matter how you feel about our visitors, the boost to the economy was undeniable.
Montana is a great state, even if it is ever-changing. Here are some interesting facts about Montana many people don't know!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!