National Montana Day is May 3, to celebrate I want to share with you 10 Fun Facts about my home state, the Treasure State!
MT Fun Fact #1
Virginia City was Montana's state capital until 1875.
Virginia City is still one of my favorite places to visit! This, now, ghost town is full of incredible Montana history from the first novel printed in the state to outlaws, treasure seekers, and more. Walking through town or riding the train through the countryside over to Nevada City, you'll truly feel like you've stepped back in time to the Wild West or through your screen into your favorite western film. One of my favorite characters, who at one time lived in this area, is Calamity Jane.
MT Fun Fact #2
The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, MT is home to 13 T-Rex specimens. That's more than anywhere else in the world!
The Museum of the Rockies has always been one of my favorite museums to explore. Besides really cool dinosaurs, they also offer special exhibits throughout the year, Montana history, a planetarium, and an outdoor homesteader exhibit.
MT Fun Fact #3
Montana's name comes from the Spanish word for "mountainous".
MT Fun Fact #4
Out of 56 counties in Montana, 46 are considered "frontier counties" with average populations of 6 or fewer people.
If you're looking for elbow room, Montana may be in your future! Better start saving your pennies though, Montana's population of millionaires, tech geniuses, and starving artists grows every year while Montana's native ranchers, farmers, and homesteaders slowly fade into history.
MT Fun Fact #5
Butte, Montana is known as "the richest hill on earth", for its abundance of natural resources such as copper and silver.
The rich natural resources of "the richest hill on earth" drew people from all over the world. Many Montanans can trace their history back through Butte where Heritage Runs Deep.
MT Fun Fact #6
The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the lower 48.
The Yellowstone River is best known for its world-class flyfishing, it's incredible mountain views, and a great place to relax just rolling down the river on a summer day!
MT Fun Fact #7
Montana is the only state in the U.S.A. with a triple divide, allowing water to flow into the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hudson Bay.
This has also earned Montana another nickname, the Headwater State, because so much of the country's water originates in Montana.
MT Fun Fact #8
Montana has a greater variety of mammals than any other state in the U.S.A with approximately 100 different species.
Species include the American bison, antelope, elk, beaver, and many more.
MT Fun Fact #9
Montana is home to 7 State Forests and 53 State Parks.
You could spend lifetimes exploring all the natural beauty and wonder the Treasure State has to offer!
MT Fun Fact #10
Montana has more bookstores per capita than any other state.
Just in case you were wondering, I think this is my favorite Montana Fun Fact. I'll always be a book nerd!
What is your favorite Montana Fun Fact?
Thank you, fellow adventurers! You can follow the lilmissbearpaw blog page on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @lilmissbearpaw for sneak peeks into upcoming posts and my adventures. This will also be a great place to share your own adventures!