50 States: Montana

MONTANA

Montana achieved statehood on November 8, 1889.  It is the 41st state.  Its postal abbreviation is MT. Since Montana is our last M state, let's review:

Maine is ME

Maryland is MD

Massachusetts is MA

Michigan is MI

Minnesota is MN

Mississippi is MS

Missouri is MO.

Montana is Spanish for mountainous.  There are more than 3500 peaks that call to the outdoor enthusiast during the winter for skiing and summer for hiking.  The capital of Montana is Helena.  It was named after a town in Minnesota, Saint Helena, but shortened later.  Back in the 1860s, gold was found in Helena which is what brought settlers and caused the town to be formed by four men from Georgia.  Before those of European descent began settling in Montana, various Native American tribes lived here.  Today, there are 12 different tribes, including Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Chippewa, Cree, Crow, Gros Ventres, Kootenah, Little Shell, Northern Cheyenne, Pend D'Oreille, Salish, and Sioux.  You can go here to check out a map of the tribes.

People who live in Montana are referred to as Montanans.  Some famous people born in Montana include actors: Dana Carvey, Gary Cooper, Patrick Duffy, Myrna Loy, Steve Reeves, and Michelle Williams.  Sports personalities include Evel Knievel, Tommy Moe, and Phil Jackson.  Director David Lynch and Jeannette Rankin, a women's rights activist and U.S. representative, were also born in Montana.

This state ranks as the fourth largest state in the U.S. but is the 44th most populous, as of 2000.  This means that the population is spread out.  There are fewer people per square mile than most other states.

The major industries in Montana consist of farming of wheat and sugar beets; mining of gold, silver, coal, and copper; cattle mining; tourism; and lumber.  Two of the biggest things to see in Montana are Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.  Most of Yellowstone is in Wyoming, but it extends into Montana and Idaho.  Because of the many mountains in Montana, there are numerous ski resorts and beautiful lodges.  There are zoos with animals which are not present elsewhere in the U.S.  Museums are plentiful as are picturesque lakes and national parks.  Sites abound which tell of the history of the region, from mining to settlement.

Two of Montana's nicknames are Big Sky Country and Treasure State.  The state motto is "Oro y plata," which is Spanish for "gold and silver."  There have been at least 48 different fossils found in Montana, including Albertosaurus, Diplodocus, Pachycephalosaurus, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus.  Museums have many of these on display, and there is also a Montana Dinosaur Trail.  Some tourist sites have been created where folks can dig for fossils and even take them home.

Montana's state symbols include the Western meadowlark as the state bird, the grizzly bear as the state mammal, and the cutthroat trout as the state fish.  The state fossil is the Maiasaura peeblesorum.  Bitterroot is the state flower, and the Ponderosa pine is the state tree.  Bluebunch wheatgrass is the state grass.

Montana's state flag was adopted in 1905 and depicts the landscape that can be seen there, including the Rocky Mountains, cliffs, a waterfall, a river, and a beautiful golden sky.  The plow that can be seen represents agriculture, and the pick and shovel represent mining.  The state motto is written on the ribbon at the bottom of the picture.

Play some games and learn more about Montana here.

The following are items that can be found at christianbook.com.

Montana History Bingo By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Must know state facts for kids to learn while having fun! Includes: Statehood Date, State Name Origin, Capital City, State Flag, State Motto, State Bird, State Population, Economy, Media, Governor, Explorers, Native Peoples, Current Events and more! Each game includes 36 different playing cards.

Montana Birds By Globe Pequot An Introduction to Familiar Species, is a must-have, reference guide for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're on a nature hike or in your own backyard, you'll want to take along a copy of this indispensable guide. The Pocket Naturalist (tm) series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions. Each is laminated for durability. (31/2 x 81/4 folded, opens to 22 x 81/4 inches, color illustrations, map)

Montana State History Lapbook - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central

I Dig Dinosaurs! DVD By Buddy Davis / Answers in Genesis Go on location to a paleontological dig! With Buddy Davis as your tour guide, you'll learn about the effects of Noah's flood on the Montana landscape, how tissue in dinosaur bones points to a recent death, and how the Bible and dinosaurs provide evidence for a recent, worldwide flood. 25 minutes on DVD. Ages 4-10.

Copper Chorus By Globe Pequot Author Dennis Swibold addresses a key issue in Montana history: the Anaconda Copper Mining Company's control of nearly all of the states larger newspapers and its citizens' access to news. Such captive journalism was hardly unique to Montana, but in terms of its longevity, reach, and reputation, no industrial entity in any other state matched the Company's hold over Montanas press. The story resonates beyond Montana as a cautionary tale for modern news organizations consumed and marginalized in ever-vaster corporate consolidations, where the temptation to harness news to the service of marketing and image runs strong.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn By R. Conrad Stein / Grolier Publishing Company The story of the worst defeat ever suffered by the United States Army at the hands of the American Indians near the Little Bighorn River in Montana on June 25, 1876. Includes a Glossary and a Timeline.

Dinosaurs for Kids By Ken Ham / Master Books What should you do when a secular scientist talks about dinosaurs? Why not ask 'Were you there?" Why didn't the animals eat each other on the ark? Perhaps God told them not to! Dinosaurs for Kids is filled with computer-animated illustrations that accompany Ken Ham's fascinating explanation of dinosaurs. Firmly instructing children that an old-earth timetable and evolution are false, he clearly and candidly breaks through the confusion that can come from reading conflicting accounts of early earth history. Following the "ages" of dinosaurs: formed, fearless, fallen, flood, faded, found, & fiction, kids will see how dinosaurs walked with people, only grew violent after sin, survived the flood, and can only be rightly understood by those who have the truth! 64 pages, hardcover.

Kid-agami - Dinosaurs: Kiragami for Kids: Easy-to-Make Paper Toys By Atanas Mihaltchev / Dover Publications

Discover 4 Yourself, Children's Bible Study Series: Digging up the Past (Genesis Chapters 3-11) By Kay Arthur / Harvest House Publishers Join inductive dig team members Max, Molly, and archeologist Uncle Jake in their latest action-adventure as they uncover what happens after God creates a perfect world. You'll sift through Genesis chapters 3-11, using tools like hieroglyphic decoders, pottery shard puzzles, and scientific experiments. Does the world stay perfect for long? Discover the truth about some of the world's big "firsts"--the first marriage, first sin, first murder, first civilization, and first genealogy. And have we seen the last of the dinosaurs? Come along for a second-to-none adventure! Set your compass for site Genesis, where digging up the past holds the key to a future of growing in God's Word. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Explore Yellowstone with Noah Justice: Episode 2 DVD, Awesome Science Series By New Leaf Press Traveling is even better when you discover the evidence of biblical history and truth along the way! Hosted by 14-year-old, homeschooled, Noah Justice, his fresh approach to science and the Bible will get you more excited about the truth with each episode of Awesome Science. 30 minutes on DVD. Kids & Teens. Explore Yellowstone, Episode 2 will discuss: How the Geologic Column is best explained by the Global Flood How super volcanoes were used to shape the Earth after the Flood How petrified forests in Yellowstone were formed in just a few years.

Your Guide to Yellowstone National Park By Dennis Bokovoy, John Hergenrather & Michael Oard / Master Books Whether you're visiting Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks in real life, or simply taking an arm-chair vacation, this photo-rich travel guide will give you a creationist perspective you won't get from other books! Presenting information on how to plan your trip, see the parks once you arrive, nearby services and amenities, trail tips, worship information, maps, and general information on the area, practical help is given in planning your journey. However, the central focus on the book is on creation-education! Separate sections address 12 main evidences that support the biblical model of creation, as well as sections on geology, fossils, ecology, and history. With information on a number of suggested stops, you'll be able to easily plan your visit around the creation issues and natural wonders that interest you the most. 188 pages, hidden-spiral lay-flat binding.

Compass American Guides: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, 2nd Edition By Fodor's / Fodor's