Can you believe 1917 was officially 100 years ago? Though we prefer to keep Montana just the way it is, a century of living is bound to create some serious changes. We found a few old photos that shows just how different of a place Montana is today.

1. First, here’s a photo of Jeannette Rankin in 1917, a Montanan who happened to be the first woman in Congress.
Library of Congress
2. Here is the Smith Mine in County, which later played a significant (and tragic) role in our local history.
Library of Congress
In 1943, an explosion inside the mine killed 74 men. There were only a few survivors.
3. Ekalaka’s Main Street sure looked different.
Library of Congress
This building eventually became the Nims Ford Dealership. William Phineas Nims moved to Ekalaka in 1914 and pursued a number of successful business ventures.
4. Glacier National Park hasn’t changed all that much in 100 years, but the photos sure looked different then.
Library of Congress
We are very grateful for modern photography.

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5. Check out the Strand Theater in Livingston.
CharmaineZoe's Marvelous Melange / Flickr
6. And this is the Alcazar Theater in Great Falls in 1910.
CharmaineZoe's Marvelous Melange / Flickr
The Alcazar closed in 1930, reopened as the Ritz Theater in 1938, and closed again four years later.
7. This is the old Governor's Mansion in Helena.
Library of Congress
This Victorian mansion was constructed in 1888 for an impressive (for the times) $85,000.
8. This is downtown Butte during the great fire of September 1905.
Library of Congress
9. And in this photo, the crowd is gathering in Helena to listen to President Theodore Roosevelt speak.
Library of Congress
The exact year of this is uncertain, but it was sometime between 1901 and 1909.

Isn’t looking at old photos of Montana fun? In these photos, the Treasure State looks other-worldly.

 

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