If you’re planning to go on a trip to Montana, then read these interesting facts about Montana before you set out.You might have come across nicknames for Montana, ‘Big Sky Country’ and ‘The Treasure State’, and its official abbreviation, which is MT. Why is the state called so? Read along to find out more interesting facts about the state of Montana.The topography and geography of Montana are primarily determined by the continental divide. The continental divide is responsible for splitting the state into the western and eastern regions, respectively. The northwest area of the state is located towards the west of the divide and is watered by the Columbia River.Did you know that every year, around 10,000 pelicans migrate to Medicine Lake in Montana from the Gulf of Mexico? These birds are defined by their impressive wingspan of 9 ft (2.7 m).The Montana territory shares its boundaries with South Dakota, North Dakota, Idaho, and Wyoming. Other than its location, there are many fun facts you should be familiar with that are related to the state of Montana. Let’s get to know some of it here.After reading the facts regarding the state of Montana, you should also check facts about Alaska and facts about Beethoven here at Kidadl.Fun Facts About MontanaIn the northwestern United States lies Montana State, which is the fourth most extensive state in the country. Montana State has two nicknames, ‘The Treasure State’ and the ‘Big Sky Country’. Let’s get to know some fun facts about Big Sky Country.The state motto of Montana is ‘Oro Y Plata’ which translates into ‘Gold and Silver’ in Spanish. This motto is given due to the gold and silver deposits seen in the state. The term ‘Montana’ originated from the Spanish word montaña. This Spanish word means ‘mountain’ or ‘mountainous region’, but in reality, Montana is the lowest of all the other rocky mountain states.Montana is the only state in the US to have a triple divide. A triple divide allows water to flow to the Atlantic Ocean, Hudson Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also the only US state that shares its borders with three Canadian provinces. These are British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Montana was the 41st state to be admitted into the union, becoming a state on November 8, 1889. The Montana state has two geographical areas, mainly the eastern Montana, which consists of the great plains, and the western Montana, which is in the rocky mountain region.The first settlers of Montana used to be the native American tribes. Even now, Montana has the largest population of native Americans. Before Helena became the official capital of Montana, this title belonged to Virginia city.The biggest city in Montana is called Billings. Even though Montana is the fourth largest state in the United States with an area of 147,40 sq mi (380,800 sq km), it is the least densely populated state. Montana has around 50 counties, among which the largest county is known as Yellowstone. The Yellowstone River is the largest free-flowing river in the whole of the United States. Montana is famous for a lot of things but mainly for its large gold and silver deposits. These mineral resources are the main reason why the state is nicknamed ‘the Treasure State’.Quotes About MontanaAnyone who visits the state of Montana will have things to say about the place. There are quotes said by people who visited the state that will make us want to visit Montana too.If you are interested in reading some of the most interesting quotes about Montana, then here are some of the gems that we have selected for you:‘I’m in love with Montana. For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, and even some affection. But with Montana, it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it’ - John Steinbeck, ‘Travels with Charley: In Search of America’.‘The Montana sunset lay between the mountains like a giant bruise from which darkened arteries spread across a poisoned sky’ - F. Scott Fitzgerald, ‘The Diamond as Big as the Ritz & Other Stories’.‘My favorite state has not yet been invented. It will be called Montana, and it will be perfect’ - Abraham Lincoln, 1864Anyone who went and saw the state will agree with these statements. The beautiful and majestic state of Montana attracts visitors from across the country as well as overseas. Anyone who visits Montana and spends a few days here simply falls in love with the state.Interesting Fact About MontanaThere are many interesting facts about Montana. For instance, did you know that the largest population in this state is not humans but animals? Read on for more interesting facts about Montana.Montana is home to a large population of grizzly bears. So, it is no surprise that the state animal of Montana is a grizzly bear.Did you know that at any given point in time, there are more cattle in Montana than humans?There are more castles in this state than humans. There is also a huge population of wild buffalo. The state has the largest variety of mammals in the United States. Montana is home to a large population of golden eagles. Montana also has big deposits of natural and mineral resources, which is a fact we are already familiar with. That is why mining is an important revenue-generating industry along with agriculture in this state.Also, Helena used to be the richest city in the world, and all the gold mining was bound to make people rich. The biggest waterfall on the Missouri River, called the Great Falls, is actually situated in Montana. The world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils was found in this state. One of the largest earth-filled dams, called Fort Peck Dam, can be seen in northeast Montana. The western half of Montana has around 100 mountain ranges. The state of Montana is famous for its lakes and parks.There are around 3000 named lakes and reservoirs in the state. Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the US, is in Montana. Apart from Flathead Lake, there are many more lakes in Montana. In fact, Glacier National Park is host to almost 250 lakes! The Clark Fork discharges the highest volume of water of any river in the state. Montana has around 53 state parks. Yellowstone National Park was the first national park established in the United States.This first national park is in Montana, parts of the Yellowstone national park, are located in southern Montana. Glacier National Park, along with some other areas, became the first-ever international peace park in 1932. Glacier National Park is considered the ‘crown jewel of the continent’. Makoshika National Park is the largest state park in Montana. Montana was the first state to elect a woman to Congress in the US. Jeanette Rankin became the first woman elected to Congress in 1916. Interestingly, she is the only one who voted against the world wars. Her views on the world war earned her many criticisms as well.Songs About MontanaThe beautiful mountain state of Montana is inspiring in many ways. That is precisely why you will find so many beautiful songs written about Montana. You might be familiar with some of these songs, while others may be new to you.‘Wild Montana Skies’ by John Denver talks about beautiful Montana. ‘Montana Lullaby’ by Ken Overcast also has the state of Montana as its inspiration.But the list of Montana songs doesn’t end here. ‘Montana’ by Frank Zappa, ‘Montana On My Mind’ by Shane Close, ‘Cut Bank Montana’ by Hank William Jr, ‘Meet Me In Montana’ by Dan Seals, ‘Home Is Where Montana Is’ Bruce Anfinson, ‘Goodnight, Montana’ by Dave Walburn, ‘Montana Sky’ by Whiteheart, ‘Girl From Montana’ by Henderson sisters, are all songs about this beautiful state. These country songs depict the amazing sceneries seen in this mountain state, which makes us yearn for a visit to the state.Books About MontanaIf songs weren’t enough, there are more ways in which Montana is described and praised. You can find plenty of books about Montana.‘A Wild Land Ethic: The Story Of Wilderness in Montana’ authored by D. Burke and W. Chamberlain, offers insights into the wilderness of Montana.‘100 Classic Hikes: Montana’ authored by D. Lorain, is a guidebook that describes the various hiking trails in Montana.‘Breaking Clean’ authored by J. Blunt talks about the narrator’s life in eastern Montana.‘The House Of Sky: Landscapes Of The Western Mind’ authored by I. Doig talks about the youth of the author in Central Montana.There are numerous books like these based on Montana state. Some are novels or stories while others are books describing the beautiful sceneries one can see in the state of Montana.Weird Facts About MontanaAmong the various facts about Montana, there are some weird ones that are only seen in this state. In a way, every state has its own weird facts, and so does Montana.Montana contributed the highest number of soldiers during World War I, which could be why almost 30 Japanese balloons landed in Montana during World War II, but luckily there was no serious damage. The first-ever territorial capital of Montana, called Bannack, is a ghost town. Even now, people believe that many ghosts haunt this town.When we say ‘expensive’, people in Montana say ‘spendy’. Another weird fact about Montana is that if a wife opens the mail that was for her husband, then it is considered an act of felony. Also, unmarried women can’t go fishing in this state. Montana is also a state that has had many dinosaur egg discoveries. Loma, a place in Montana, holds the world record for the most dramatic change in temperature within 24 hours.If that is not weird, then the fact that the Rocky Mountains in Montana have different climates in each elevation zone must be. The lowest zone has a similar climate to eastern Montana, but as the zone gets higher, the climate gets colder, wetter, and snowier.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for lessons about Montana, then why not take a look at facts about coral reefs or facts about Hawaii?
If you’re planning to go on a trip to Montana, then read these interesting facts about Montana before you set out.
