Montana

Montana is a large, landlocked state in the western part of the United States. It is known for its wide-open spaces, beautiful mountains, and rich natural resources. The state is bordered by Idaho to the west, North Dakota to the east, South Dakota to the southeast, Wyoming to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan to the north.

Montana became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It was later explored by the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. The discovery of gold in 1862 brought many people to the area, leading to rapid growth and development. Montana became a state on November 8, 1889.

Today, Montana's economy is based on agriculture, including ranching and growing cereal grains. Other important industries include oil, gas, coal, mining, and lumber. Tourism is also a growing sector, with millions of visitors coming each year to enjoy the state's natural beauty and outdoor activities. The capital of Montana is Helena, and the largest city is Billings.

Etymology

The name "Montana" comes from the Spanish word montaña, meaning "mountain". Early Spanish explorers used the term Montaña del Norte to describe the mountainous western region. In 1863, the name "Montana" was chosen for a new territory by the United States House Committee on Territories. Though some representatives argued the name didn’t fit since much of the area isn’t mountainous, the name "Montana" was kept and adopted officially.

History

Main article: History of Montana

For thousands of years, many indigenous peoples lived in the land now known as Montana. Historic tribes included the Crow, Cheyenne, Lakota, Blackfeet, Assiniboine, Gros Ventres, Kootenai, Salish, Pend d'Oreilles, and Kalispel. European and American traders arrived in the region, leading to the fur trade. Conflicts sometimes arose when indigenous interests were threatened.

Montana became a territory of the United States in 1864. Gold discoveries drew many people to the area, leading to the growth of towns and mining operations. The state faced many challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes over land and resources. Cattle ranching and railroads also played important roles in shaping Montana's economy and communities.

Montana became the 41st state on November 8, 1889. The state has a rich history tied to mining, farming, and ranching, and it played significant roles during both World War I and World War II. During these wars, many Montanans served in the military, and the state contributed greatly to the war effort.

Geography

Montana is one of the eight Mountain States, located in the north of the Western United States region. It borders North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, Idaho to the west and southwest, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to the north. This makes it the only state to border three Canadian provinces.

With an area of 147,040 square miles (380,800 km²), Montana is slightly larger than Japan or Germany. It is the fourth-largest state in the United States after Alaska, Texas, and California, and the largest landlocked state.

Montana’s landscape is shaped by the Continental Divide, which divides the state into distinct eastern and western regions. Most of the state’s mountain ranges lie in the western half, part of the northern Rocky Mountains. The eastern part consists mainly of prairie and the northern Great Plains.

The state has thousands of rivers and creeks, with many providing opportunities for recreation. Montana’s rivers flow into three major watersheds: the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and Hudson Bay. The state also has many lakes and reservoirs, including Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States.

Montana’s plant and animal life is very diverse. Forests cover about a quarter of the state, and it is home to species such as grizzly bears, elk, and trout. The state also contains several protected areas, including Glacier National Park and parts of Yellowstone National Park.

Demographics

The United States Census Bureau reported that Montana's population was 1,132,812 on July 1, 2023, marking a 4.5% increase since the 2020 census, which recorded 1,084,225 people. Growth during the early 2000s was mostly seen in seven of Montana's largest counties. Gallatin County saw the biggest percentage increase at 32.9%, while Kalispell had the largest percentage growth among cities at 40.1%. Billings had the largest actual increase in residents, growing by 12,946 people from 2010 to 2020.

Montana is home to a significant Native American population, making up 6.5% of the state—higher than most U.S. states. Native Americans make up the majority in three counties: Big Horn, Glacier, and Roosevelt. The state has seven Indian reservations with more than 12 distinct Native American groups. The largest European ancestry groups include German, Irish, English, Norwegian, French, and Italian. Other groups include Scandinavian, Finnish, Eastern European, and British mining region descendants. Montana also has communities of Hutterites, Amish, and Hispanic populations concentrated around Billings. The Chinese community, though small today, was historically important in the mining areas. The Missoula area now has a notable Hmong population, and Filipinos make up the largest Asian American group in the state. Montana also has a high percentage of U.S. military veterans.

Montana's Constitution recognizes the unique cultural heritage of American Indians and commits to preserving it through education. The Indian Education for All Act ensures schools teach American Indian history and culture. Each reservation has a tribal college, and the University of Montana has agreements to support transfers from these colleges.

English is the official language of Montana, spoken at home by 94.8% of the population aged five and older. Spanish is the second most common language, followed by speakers of Indo-European languages, Native American languages, and Asian or Pacific Islander languages.

Religious life in Montana is diverse. Christianity is the largest group, with Protestantism and Catholicism being the most common. Other groups include The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and non-denominational evangelicals. A significant portion of the population is unaffiliated with any religion, and smaller groups include New Age spirituality, Judaism, and Buddhism.

Economy

See also: Montana locations by per capita income and List of power stations in Montana

Montana's economy is diverse, with key industries including beer microbrewing, lumber, and mineral extraction. The state is known for its gold, coal, silver, talc, and vermiculite resources. Tourism is very important, with millions of visitors each year to places like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Outdoor activities contribute significantly to the state's economy.

Montana does not have a sales tax, which helps keep prices lower for visitors and residents. The state has a personal income tax with different rates depending on how much money a person earns. Property taxes exist but do not apply to household goods. In some smaller towns that rely on tourism, there is a special resort tax to help pay for things like road repairs and park maintenance.

Education

See also: Treasure State Academic Information & Library Services, List of high schools in Montana, and List of school districts in Montana

Colleges and universities

The Montana University System includes many colleges and universities such as Dawson Community College, Flathead Valley Community College, Miles Community College, and Montana State University Bozeman. It also includes the University of Montana Missoula with several campuses across the state.

Tribal colleges in Montana include Aaniiih Nakoda College, Blackfeet Community College, Chief Dull Knife College, Fort Peck Community College, Little Big Horn College, Salish Kootenai College, and Stone Child College. There are also four private colleges: Carroll College, Rocky Mountain College, and University of Providence.

Schools

Montana's school system began forming before it became a state. The first formal school opened in 1862 at Fort Owen, teaching both Native American children and the children of fort employees. Early schools were subscription schools where families paid for their children to attend. The first public school in Montana opened in Virginia City in 1886, after the territory allowed counties to collect taxes for schools. These early schools had few resources, often using books brought by settlers instead of textbooks.

Culture

See also: Music of Montana, Artists from Montana, and Authors from Montana

Montana has been home to many famous artists, writers, and photographers. Painter Charles Marion Russell created thousands of artworks showing cowboys, Native Americans, and landscapes. The C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls displays many of his works. Another well-known figure is Mary MacLane, who gained fame in 1902 with her memoir about life in Butte. Photographer Evelyn Cameron captured everyday life in early 20th-century Montana through her clear and detailed pictures.

Montana holds many cultural events each year. The Sweet Pea Carnival began in Bozeman in 1906 to celebrate the area's pea crop and later became a large arts festival. The Crow Fair and Rodeo near Hardin is a big event for Native American communities. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks performs free plays across the state.

Sports

Montana does not have major league sports teams, but many minor league and college teams play there. Baseball is popular, with teams like the Billings Mustangs and Great Falls Voyagers. The University of Montana and Montana State University have strong college sports programs.

Montana has produced several Olympic athletes. Tommy Moe won gold and silver medals in skiing in 1994. Eric Bergoust won gold in freestyle aerial skiing in 1998. The state also has a history of sporting achievements, such as Spokane, a horse who won the Kentucky Derby in 1889.

Outdoor recreation

Montana offers many outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing. The state is famous for its trout fishing, and many people enjoy fly fishing. Hunting seasons are held for elk, deer, and other animals.

Montana has many places for winter sports. Downhill skiing is popular at resorts like Big Sky and Whitefish Mountain. Cross-country skiing is also available in many areas, including national forests and parks. Snowmobiling is a favorite winter activity, with thousands of miles of trails.

Health

Montana has two major hospitals known as Trauma I centers, both located in Billings. The Billings Clinic was the first such hospital in Montana and nearby Wyoming. In 2024, another hospital called St. Vincent Regional Hospital also earned this important status.

Montana is known for having the fewest people who are overweight or obese compared to all other states in the U.S. In a survey from 2014, only 19.6% of people in Montana were considered obese.

Media

Main articles: List of newspapers in Montana, List of radio stations in Montana, and List of television stations in Montana

Montana has many media outlets, including television, radio, and newspapers. As of 2010, Missoula was the 166th largest media market in the United States, with Billings at 170th, Great Falls at 190th, and Helena at 206th. There are 25 television stations and hundreds of radio stations across the state.

During a time called the age of the "Copper Kings," each copper company had its own newspaper. In 2023, Montana became the first U.S. state to ban the social media app TikTok and the online marketplace Temu.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Montana

See also: List of Montana railroads, List of Montana numbered highways, and List of airports in Montana

Railroads have been important in Montana since the 1880s. Today, the BNSF Railway is the state's largest railroad. Amtrak's Empire Builder train runs through the north of the state, stopping in several towns.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the busiest airport in Montana. Other major airports include Missoula International Airport, Great Falls International Airport, and Glacier Park International Airport.

Historically, U.S. Route 10 was the main east–west highway, but today Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 are the most important routes. Montana's only north–south Interstate Highway is Interstate 15.

Law and government

Montana operates under a constitution first created in 1889, which was later updated in 1972. This constitution outlines the rights of citizens and the structure of the state’s government. In 1914, Montana became one of the first states to grant women the right to vote, and in 1916, it elected Jeannette Rankin, the first woman in Congress.

Montana’s government has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The executive branch is led by the governor, currently Greg Gianforte. The legislative branch, known as the Montana Legislature, includes a Senate and a House of Representatives. The judicial branch includes the Montana Supreme Court and several lower courts that handle various types of cases.

Montana sends two senators and one representative to the United States Congress. The state’s large size means its Senate district is one of the biggest in the country. Notable figures from Montana’s past include Mike Mansfield, who served as U.S. Senate majority leader, and Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Politics

Further information: Political party strength in Montana and Elections in Montana

Montana has a rich history of competitive elections, with voters often choosing candidates from different parties for different offices. Historically, the Democratic Party found support among unionized miners and railroad workers, while farmers tended to vote Republican. Over time, the political landscape has shifted. From 1968 to 1988, Democrats held strong control over state offices and the legislature. However, starting in 1988, Republicans began to gain more influence, eventually taking control of both legislative chambers by 1994.

At the federal level, Montana has generally voted for Republican presidential candidates since 1952, with the exception of 1992. In recent years, the state’s legislative bodies have been controlled by Republicans, though there have been periods of divided government. Currently, both of Montana’s U.S. Senate seats and its congressional seats are held by Republicans. The Montana Senate and Montana House of Representatives continue to reflect this Republican dominance, though recent elections have introduced more competitive dynamics.