Montana History

History

In common with other north-western states, the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1805 made an important historical impact. Their journey along the Missouri River made the first contacts with native tribes. It also allowed for reconnaissance for future trading posts and made scientific reports on local plants and animals. There were problems with grizzly bears, and the portage around the Great Falls was one of the major obstacles of the journey. Alas these falls have now been diminished by power plants.

After the expedition fur trading became the most important economic activity until the first gold finds in 1858. Helena, which is now the state capital, is on the site of ?Last Chance Gulch?, where some weary and discouraged prospectors had stumbled on gold. Virginia City, in the southwest corner of the state, had sprung up around another gold find and had served as the territorial capital. Although now almost a ghost town many of its buildings have been restored and visitors can get an idea of life in gold rush days.

Montana became a state in 1889, but is still the third least populated, with Native Americans making up about 6% of the population. Today the mainstay of the economy is agriculture, with cattle and sheep and a large proportion of the nation?s wheat growing on the prairies. Mining is still important with large coal reserves and even gold, copper and other minerals still being exploited. Lumber and wood products are also important, not forgetting the ever growing tourism to the more spectacular parts of the state.