You Won’t Even Recognize Montana When You Watch This Historical Footage From The 1940s

Montana’s a beautiful state with a rich history. Chances are pretty high that no one would argue with that statement. Nor would anyone argue that Montana has certainly changed during its long and storied history. When you watch this historical footage of Montana, shot in 1947, you’ll go on a journey that will take you to Helena, Butte, Missoula, and Glacier National Park.

Back when this footage was shot in 1947, World War II was already two years in the past.

Still, plenty was happening in the United States. New car production resumed, which meant Americans could start buying brand new cars again.

The price tag on that new car averaged $1,800.

Quite a few major events also occurred in 1947 - from sports to the United States military.

Jackie Robinson made history as the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. The 28-year-old played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Henry Ford, leaving behind some $600 million, died that year, too. A UFO was spotted in Roswell, New Mexico in July, and the Air Force became its own branch of the United States military.

Closer to home in Montana, visitors flocked (as they still do) to Glacier National Park. The capital of Helena was a bustling city, known for its gold, with many of its residents working in the government.

Eastern Montana was best known for its rich farmland while Western Montana's Missoula was known as a trading center. Butte, the biggest city in Montana, sat on top of miles and miles of copper. It was called "The Copper Metropolis of America."

Montana was particularly strong in agriculture and harvesting wheat, in particular, earning the seventh spot nationwide for how much grain it produced annually.

The millions of sheep that grazed throughout Montana also made the state well-known for its production of wool.

That's just a peek at the United States and Montana in 1947. Click play below to learn more about life in the Treasure State in 1947.

What did you think of this historical footage of Montana? Can you see glimpses of today’s Montana, or is the state unrecognizable? Join the conversation in the comments! Can’t get enough historical footage of Montana? Check out this footage of Glacier National Park, also shot in 1947.