From dinosaur discoveries to gold rush booms and busts, come face to face with the history that continues to shape Montana.

1889 Montana became the 41st state on Nov. 8, 1889.

50 Bannack is Montana’s best-preserved ghost town, with more than 50 intact historic structures.

75 At least 75 different dinosaur species have been discovered in Montana.

History in Montana

Take a step back in time.

From corner to corner, Montana is brimming with rich history to experience.

Celebrate Montana History

Honoring Montana’s history is the perfect way to experience what this state is all about.

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Stay a While

While you’re in town, see more of what makes these places special.

Things To Do in Montana

History Stories

The past is still present.

Meet Montanans who connect people with unforgettable history experiences today.

Keeping Montana History Alive

New concessionaires in Virginia City and Nevada City bring fresh energy to sister historic towns.

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Fostering Community in the Wake of Tragedy

A resilient Three Chiefs Culture Center carries tribal heritage forward.

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The World Museum of Mining in Butte

Go underground and meet the people preserving Montana’s rich mining heritage.

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“

You can walk through Virginia City and get a sense of what it was like to be here in the Old West. There's nowhere else that has this kind of experience.

Stephen Alan Seder, artistic director of the Virginia City Players

Time Travel

Come face to face with Montana history.

Discover fascinating places to experience Montana’s Indigenous, mining, military and dinosaur history.