Useful Resources:

Montana became the 41^st state on Nov 8^th 1889. Montana is commonly known as the Treasure State which is a reference to the states mining history.

Origin of state's name: The name Montana is taken from a Spanish word for "mountainous".

Population: The states population is in excess of 900,000 based on the last census of 2000.

Capital City; The capital city of Montana is Helena which is known as the "Queen city of the Rockies" and the state is surrounded by the following four states, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Department of Justice website under the Motor Vehicles section.

http://www.doj.state.mt.us/department/motorvehicledivision.asp

Economy: The state is famous for mining, hence the nickname "the treasure State". The economy is also driven by lumbar production, food processing, electrical products manufacture. The state also grows substantial quantities of oats, barley and some corn and cattle and dairy production provide and influx of money to the economy of this beautiful state.

State flower: The state flower is the Bitterroot or Lewisia rediviva which has a characteristic beautiful deep pinkish flower during the spring and summer months.

This beautiful flower grows in the mountain areas throughout the state.

State Bird: The state bird is the Western Meadow Lark which is also the state bird of Oregon, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming. The Meadow Lark is noted for its shyness and its square tail.

State Song: The state song is "Montana" which sings high praise to the beautiful state. The lyrics have references to the blue skies, the majestic mountains and the fact that this is known as the Treasure State.

State Motto: The state motto is "gold and silver" a reference to the Treasure States mining history.

Montana - Interesting Facts

• It is well documented that dinosaur eggs have been found in the state.
• Montana has a town called Miles City which is known as the Cowboy Capital.
• The well known and visited Yellowstone National Park can be found in Montana.
• Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer made his famous last stand in Montana
• The state's official animal is the grizzly bear and the state has one of the largest populations of grizzly bears in the US.

Montana- Famous People

Many famous people were born and raised in Montana and many famous people call Montana their home today. This includes actors, athletes, authors, politicians and entertainers. The infamous Evel Knievel the daredevil is from Montana as is the famous actress Myrna Loy and the well known author Dorothy Baker.