| 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") |
