| A short history of the Montana State flag | When troops from Montana fought in the Philippine War of 1898, they carried a flag based on the old tradition of the state seal on a blue background, and there were additions of various inscriptions. In February 1905 this flag was adopted, but without the inscriptions. In 1864, Montana became a Territory, and the seal was seen for the first time the following year. It consisted of landscape of the Great Falls of the Missouri River, and the Rocky Mountains. On the original version various animals were seen but have since been removed. Montana has become a rich agricultural state due the extensive irrigation, which is indicated by the plough in the foreground. The mining implements remind us that the state is also abundant in minerals. The motto refers not only to the district's period under Spanish rule, but also to the minerals located in the state. In October of 1981 the military dimensions of the flag were changed to the more usual ones, and the states name was placed above the seal. |
| A short history of Montana (The Treasure State) | Montana lies on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, which gives it its name. It became part of the U.S.A. with the Louisiana Purchase, and settled sparsely until the gold strikes of the 1860's. In 1864 it became a Territory, and a state on November 8, 1889. |
| Area of Montana | 147,138 sq. miles |
Capital
| Helena |
| Major Products | Oil, copper and other minerals, wheat, tourism |
| State Motto | Oro y plata ("Gold and silver") |
Help us make this site 