Montana - Political
 
CapitalHelena
Largest CityBillings
Major CitiesMissoula, Great Falls, Butte, Bozeman
NicknamesTreasure State
Area147,138 sq. miles
Population902,195
 
Montana - Physical features
 
Mountain RangesRocky Mountains, Absaroka Range, Bighorn Mountains, Bitteroot Range
LakesFort Peck Lake, Flathead Lake
RiversMissouri, Yellowstone, Clark Fork, Powder, Tongue, Mussellshell, Bighorn, Milk, Kootenai, Marias
Highest PointGranite Peak
Bordering StatesIdaho (west, southwest), Wyoming (south), South Dakota (southeast), North Dakota (northeast), Canada- British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan (north)
National ParksYellowstone NP (partially located in Wyoming and Idaho), Glacier NP
Key ProductsWheat, Barley
Natural ResourcesCopper, Gold, Silver
 
Montana - History
 
1803Acquired from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
1846Western Montana obtained from Great Britain after the Oregon Treaty.
1862Admitted as the 43rd state.Gold is discovered near the Butte and Virginia City, thus beginning Montana’s gold rush.
1876A combined Lakota-Northern Cheyenne Indian force achieves victory in the Battle of the Little Bighorn over the army of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer.
1889Statehood achieved- the 41st state to enter the Union.
Present DaySpectacular trees, inland lakes, wildlife, swift rivers, and mountain views form much of the majestic scenery of Glacier National Park, which attracts more than a million visitors each year, thus contributing to Montana’s largely agricultural economy
 
Montana - Facts
 
  • Although Montana is the fourth largest state by area in the United States, it ranks 44th in population, with Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Delaware trailing it.
  • Glacier National Park is adjacent to Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park.
  • Montana shares a longer border with Canada than any other state. Thus Montana borders more Canadian provinces than any other. The US-Canada border is the longest tract of undefended border in the world.
  • The Missouri River is formed from the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers at Three Forks.
  • Both of Montana’s national parks lie on the Continental Divide, which seperates the flow of water in North America.
  • Vast depopsits of copper are found near Butte.