Heavens Angels Around The World

Montana:
After Merriwether Lewis and William Clark explored the area in 1805, and rumors about the riches of this land spread east, mountain men, gold prospectors, trappers and traders soon followed.

Once home to huge herds of buffalo, Montana is rich in American Indian lore, and powerful names like Black feet, Cheyenne, Crow, Nez Perce and Sioux come quickly to mind.

It was here in 1876, on the Little Bighorn River, that the American Indians fought their last great battle. Their land was lost and they were scattered into the wind, but their legends live on in Montana.

Home to over 40 mountain ranges and the incomparable Glacier National Park, the vistas here almost defy description.

This enormous state with vast open plains is called the Big Sky Country, and if ever a nickname fit, this is that time.

Montana

Officially approved in 1905, Montana's flag is adapted from colors once used by the state militia. The motto "Gold and Silver," or "Oro Y Plata" in Spanish, recalls Spain's onetime claim to the area.

The state seal (centered) represents Montana's rugged scenery and pioneer history. The featured pick, shovel and plow are symbolic of mining and farming.

The name Montana was added in 1981.

Official name: Montana
Capital: Helena
Statehood: Nov. 8, 1889 the 41st state
State nickname: The Treasure State
Name for residents: Montanans
State motto: Oro y plata (Gold and silver)
Abbreviation: MT

Montana's Historical Event's:

1762 France cedes Montana to Spain.
1800 France reclaims Montana.
1803 The United States acquires Montana through the Louisiana Purchase.
1805 The Lewis and Clark expedition reaches Montana.
1807 Manuel Lisa founds the first fur-trading post on the Bighorn River.
1841 Father Pierre Jean de Smet founds Saint Mary's Mission in the Bitterroot Valley.
1862 The Montana gold rush begins when prospectors strike gold on Grasshopper Creek.
1864 Congress creates the Montana Territory.
1866 The great cattle drives to Montana begin.
1875 Silver is discovered at Butte.
1876 A Sioux force led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse defeats George A. Custer's troops at the Little Bighorn River.
1882 Copper is discovered in the Anaconda Mine.
1889 Montana becomes the 41st state of the Union (November 8).
1910 Congress creates Glacier National Park.
1914 A woman-suffrage law is enacted.
1915 Oil is discovered in Elk Basin.
1951 Oil is discovered in the Williston Basin.
1972 A new state constitution is adopted.
1975 The legislature passes a 30 percent coal severance tax.

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