Top 10 Fun Facts About Montana
Montana is known for its idyllic and majestic natural beauty, but that’s not all it has to offer. Stock up on your Montana knowledge with these top fun facts.
Montana is Home to the World’s First National Park
Yellowstone National Park is famously located largely in Montana, and as spectacular as this park is, it’s also the world’s first national park. It was established as a national park in 1872.
Montana Elected the First Woman to the US Congress
In 1916, Jeanette Rankin became the first woman to be elected to Congress in the US. She was elected as a progressive representative for Montana, campaigning largely on women’s suffrage and social welfare.
Montana Houses the Richest Hill in the World
It’s no secret that Montana was a key part of the gold and silver rush in the western US. Few people realize how much of those rushes centered on Butte, Montana, though - known as the “richest hill in the world” because of its gold and silver deposits.
Montana’s Natural Gems Span Oceans
Gold and silver aren’t the only treasures in the hills of Montana. The area is also known for the famous Montana Yogo Sapphires - the only North American gem in the Crown Jewels of England.
Montana Boasts the World’s Shortest River
While Montana is primarily known for its grandiose and larger-than-life natural features, it’s also home to some smaller wonders. Roe River is the shortest river in the world at just 201 feet long.
Golden Eagles Call Montana Home
One of the more unique residents of Montana is the golden eagle. Montana, in fact, has a higher population of golden eagles than any other US state.
Small Towns Reign in Montana
It should come as no surprise that Montana has an overall low population density, but it’s easy to underestimate just how low it is. In fact, Billings is the largest city in Montana and it’s the only city in the state to have more than 100,000 residents.
Most Montana Residents are Cows
Speaking of Montana’s low population density, that density is low for people, but not cattle. In fact, there are over twice as many cattle as humans in Montana.
Montana is the Largest State Without a Coastline
Montana has no shortage of water thanks to its many rivers and lakes. It is, however, the largest landlocked state in the US.
Montana Houses Rare Evidence of Lewis and Clark
Montana is home to Pompeys Pillar National Monument. This monument stands as the only remaining on-site physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
