About Montana

Montana is a state in the Western and Midwestern United States. The name probably comes from the Spanish word montana ("mountain"). The state ranks fourth in size but has a low population and population density, with much of the state being rural. The economy is primarily ranching-based, with some agricultural crops (wheat, barley, sugar beets) and a significant lumber and mineral industry.

The western one-third of the state is primarily mountainous terrain, while the eastern two-third is part of the northern Great Plains. Originally inhabited by American Indians, The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806 was the first group of European-American explorers to cross Montana. Modern-day Montana became Montana Territory in 1864 and later became the 41st state in 1889. The state became the first to elect a female member of Congress, Jeannette Rankin. Despite its sizable American Indian population, Montana is one of the most homogenous states nearly nine-tenths of Montanans are White. The state is generally regarded as Republican; many are surprised to hear that the state has a Democratic governor (Brian Schweitzer), Democratic-controlled legislature (the Montana State Legislature), and one Democratic U.S. Senator (Max Baucus).