by Suzette Baker

Created on: July 21, 2010

Also known as the Land of the Shining Mountains, Montana is our nation's 4th largest state . The name Montana is derived from the Spanish word for mountainous which accurately describes this state since two-thirds of its western region is covered by the Rocky Mountains. In all, there are over 50 mountain ranges in Montana. It is also the only state that is drained by the river systems that empty into the Hudson Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

Before settlement of this region began, Montana was inhabited by two groups of Indian tribes. One was the Atsina group who lived on the plains; the other was the mountain dwelling Shoshone tribes. It is believed that during the 1740’s, French trappers probably visited the area but it wasn't until after 1807 though that fur traders became active the area. Later, in 1847, the American Fur Company established Fort Benton along the Missouri River.

In 1803, the eastern portion of the state became United States territory by means of the Louisiana Purchase. The U.S. bought the vast area from Napoleon Bonaparte for three cents and acre. At the time of the purchase, this amount was much greater than the national budget. Several years later in 1846, the United States acquired the northwest part of the state from Britain via the Treaty of Oregon.

In 1804, Lewis and Clark led an expedition across this great region while on their way to the Pacific Ocean. They explored parts of Montana as they passed through and returned the next year for further exploration as they made their way home. The first attempt at permanent settlement took place near present-day Stevensville when Jesuit Missionaries founded St. Mary's Mission in 1841.

During the 1850’s, a trader named Richard Grant brought the first herd of cattle to the area from Oregon, thus beginning Montana's cattle industry.  Cattle ranching really began to grow when cattleman Nelson Story arrived from Texas with 1,000 head of long-horn cattle. Twenty years after it began, the cattle industry was greatly reduced to a much smaller scale. This reduction of cattle was the result of the harsh winters of 1886-1887 wherein thousands of cows died.

Before gold was discovered at Grasshopper Creek in 1862, Montana was Indian country. The discovery of gold brought with it a great opportunity for untold wealth. During the boom years, gold was the main form of currency. It wasn't long before prospectors, mainly from the south, started pouring into the area and mining

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