Montana ( The Big Sky Country / The Treasure State ) Montana derives from the Latin word meaning "mountainous." Montana was admitted into the Union as the 41st state in 1889. The state is the fourth largest state of the United States. Western Montana is a land of tall, rugged mountains; while eastern Montana is a land of broad plains. Montana experienced sudden development when gold was discovered in 1862. Montana was also the scene of the Native Americans' last effort to keep their land. The last stand of Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer was fought in Montana, as were the final battles of the Nez Perce Wars. The mountains, the battlefields, the old gold camps, and the vast, lonely distances give visitors a unique perspective of the American frontier. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Montana include: Gary Cooper, Dirk Benedict, Michelle Williams, The Flag of Montana Entered the Union in 1889 as the 41st State; flag adopted in 1905, modified 1981. The State seal shows the Great Falls of the Missouri River and tools indicating mining and agriculture. The motto appears on a ribbon below.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Billings, 89,847; Missoula, 57,053; Great Falls, 56,690; Butte-Silver Bow1, 34,606; Bozeman, 27,509; Helena, 25,780; Kalispell, 14,223; Havre, 9,621; Anaconda–Deer Lodge County, 9,417; Miles City, 8,487   Business and Trade in Montana Agriculture: Cattle, wheat, barley, sugar beets, hay, hogs. Industries: Mining, lumber and wood products, food processing, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Western Meadowlark Flower: Bitterroot (lewisia rediviva) Tree: Ponderosa pine (pinus ponderosa) Song(s): Montana Motto: Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver) Montana Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Neota Wilderness - Missoula • Raven Cliffs Wilderness - Missoula • Savage Run Wilderness - Missoula • Big Island Lake Wilderness - Missoula • Black Mountain Wilderness - Missoula

Capital: Helena     Local Weather  Statehood: 1889-11-08  Population: 902,195 (6.2 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 147,042.40     Water 1,489.96     Land 145,552.43     Rank 4th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Montana, there are 412,633 housing units, averaging to 2.8 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:   Posters and Artwork Castle Geyser, Yellowstone Park, Montana Art Print 17" x 11" • Pampas Grass Growing along a Country Road, Townsend, Montana, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • Ripe Huckleberries, Montana, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone Park, Montana Art Print 17" x 11" • Moonrise in Centennial Valley, Montana, USA Photographic Print 12" x 16" • Rainbow Trout in Stream, Montana Photographic Print 18" x 24"