7 Surprising Firsts That Montana Can Proudly Claim

While Montana wasn't the first state in the country (it was the 41st), it doesn't mean that we don't hold the title of any "firsts."

Unless you're extremely well-versed in your Montana history, there may be something on the following list of the state's inventions and firsts that might surprise you. This includes popular attractions, historical events, and medical discoveries. Have I piqued your interest? If so, read on to learn about Montana's contributions to our society.

1. The First Luge Run in North America Was Built at Lolo Hot Springs

In 1965, Montana carved out its own a piece of sports history with this luge run. Locals took the sport from this humble track all the way to Olympics. While the track is no longer in use, its impact is still felt in U.S. winter sports today.

2. The First Heart Monitor Was Invented by a Montanan

Norman Holter was born and raised in Helena. He created the Holter monitor — one of the most valuable inventions to come out of Montana. This portable electrocardiogram (ECG) helps people monitor their heart activity while they're away from the hospital, making it an essential device that's helped diagnose heart conditions and save countless people around the world.

3. Yellowstone National Park Was the First National Park in the Country

While we share this popular attraction with Wyoming, we still claim it, in part, as our own. From bison to geysers, Yellowstone National Park's wild beauty attracts millions of visitors each year.

4. You Know Those Gideon Bibles You See in Hotel Rooms? That Trend Started in Montana

In 1908 Archie Bailey, a Gideon and a regular guest at the Superior Hotel, asked if he could put a bible at the hotel's front desk. Soon, that expanded to all the guest rooms and the rest is history (literally).

5. The First-Ever Professional Extreme Skier Is From Montana

Scot Schmidt was born in Helena and has become one of the most lauded extreme skiers in the sport. In 2013, he was inducted into US Ski Hall of Fame.

6. Montana Is the First State to Pass Legislation Against Government Spying

Yes, that's right. In 2013, Montana made history by being the first state to pass a law to prevent the government from spying on anyone in the state by tracking personal information stored in their electronic devices. In 2025, the law was updated to block the purchase of private data without a warrant, and limit AI surveillance tools and continuous facial recognition.

7. And, of course, Montana was the first state to send a woman to Congress

In 1917, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to Congress. She served two terms, making her the first woman to hold federal office in the United States.

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