Population: 998.199 thousand people (2011)
Area: 381156.0 sq. km
Montana Treasure State is the fourth largest state in the United States. Here, in a sparsely populated region, there is a large North American watershed between the basins of the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, which runs along the ridges of the Rocky Mountains (Grand Peak Mountain, 3904 meters). Triple Divide Peak is considered to be the watershed point. Montana is sometimes referred to as the State of Origins. Here is the source of the Missouri – the main tributary of the Mississippi, as well as the Yellowstone River. To the west are the headwaters of the Pand Ouray and Flathead Lake of the Columbia River water system. To the north are the headwaters of the Saskatchewan water basin.
East Montana is part of the Great Plains, which in places cross the low spurs of the Rocky Mountains. The climate of the state is characterized by low rainfall, warm summers and cold snowy winters. A quarter of the territory of Montana is occupied by forests, where there is a great variety of coniferous trees. The bowels of the state are rich in minerals – coal, gas, oil, gold, copper, silver, tungsten, lead, molybdenum. And in the extraction of platinum and palladium, Montana is the leader in the country. Agriculture is developed on the prairies.
Despite the fact that the first Europeans in Montana were the French (1742), the name Montana is of Spanish origin and means “mountain, mountainous country.” Before the European invasion, the Cheyenne, Assiniboine, Crow and other tribes of pastoralists and buffalo hunters lived here on the prairies. Permanent settlements of fur traders and hunters began to appear in Monatn in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The development of remote lands (another nickname for Montana is recorded in history – “badlands”, bad lands) was accompanied by armed clashes with the Indians. Montana joined the United States as a territory in 1864 and became the 41st state in 1889.
Tourist attractions are associated with the nature of the state. Picturesque landscapes, lakes, mountains, glaciers, forests, waterfalls of the national park attract many travelers, hikers and extreme sportsmen. Also in Montana is part of the Yellowstone Park and the bison sanctuary. Lewis and Clark Cave is famous among tourists. In the cities of the state, the architecture of the 19th century has been preserved – mansions, old mining villages, churches.
BILLINGS
Population: 105.845 thousand people (2009)
Area: 87.6 sq. km
Founded: 1877
Time zone: UTC-7, summer UTC-6
Altitude: 952 m
The city of Billings lies on the banks of the Yellowstone River, which forms beautiful waterfalls in its upper reaches. The semi-desert climate that dominates here determines the peculiarities of the weather. Hot summers and dry, but cold winters are considered commonplace for these places. The autumn and spring off-season lingers here for a short time. Billings is the largest city in the state. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, it attracts fans of outdoor activities. The coastal part of the city is often visited by fans of windsurfing and canoeing. For lovers of fishing here is a real expanse.
Billing is also known as a student city. Within its boundaries is the main campus of the University of Montana. Many natural areas are considered local features. In one of the parks there is an art museum – the largest in the state among the cultural institutions of the art direction. The natural attractions of Billing are caves, where ancient rock paintings were discovered by researchers.
HELENA
Population: 28.190 thousand people (2010)
Area: 36.3 sq. km
Founded: 1864
Time zone: UTC-7, summer UTC-6
Altitude: 1237 m
The capital of Montana is Helena. The city is located in a hilly area, near the lower reaches of the Missouri. Nearby is Lake Helena and towering mountains.
Helena owes her appearance to the gold diggers. In 1864, the first camp of prospectors, called “Last Chance”, was founded here. Later, when the population of the settlement steadily increased, the name was changed to Helena. However, the oldest street in the historic center of the city is still called “Last Chance Gorge”. By the end of the 19th century, it was perhaps the most prosperous city in the world: with a population of about 10 thousand, 50 millionaires lived here. Despite the fact that the gold reserves in Helena were quickly depleted, the city developed steadily thanks to the mining of lead and silver.
Of the sights, Helena boasts a bizarre grid of city streets in the old quarters, which meticulously repeat the boundaries of the miners’ plots. It is also worth highlighting the Montana Capitol building and the Gothic church of St. Helena. Not far from Helena is Marysville, an abandoned mining town that attracts tourists.
Butte, Montana
History and Climate of Butte, Montana:
History: Butte, Montana, often referred to as “The Richest Hill on Earth,” has a rich and fascinating history deeply intertwined with the mining industry. The discovery of gold in the mid-19th century led to a rush of prospectors to the region, but it was the discovery of silver in the 1870s and later copper that truly transformed Butte into a mining powerhouse.
The Anaconda Copper Mining Company, founded by Marcus Daly, played a pivotal role in Butte’s development. By the late 19th century, Butte became one of the world’s leading copper producers, attracting a diverse population of immigrants seeking employment in the mines. The city’s population boomed, and it became a melting pot of various ethnicities and cultures.
Butte’s historic district, marked by its Victorian-era architecture, stands as a testament to its prosperous past. The city’s unique character is shaped by its mining heritage, with remnants of old mine structures and headframes dotting the landscape. The Berkeley Pit, a former open-pit copper mine, is a significant landmark and a reminder of Butte’s industrial history.
Over the years, the mining industry declined, leading to economic challenges for Butte. However, the community’s resilience and efforts to diversify its economy have helped the city transition into a more sustainable future. Today, Butte preserves its historical legacy while embracing new opportunities in tourism, education, and environmental reclamation.
Climate: According to Sunglasseswill, Butte experiences a continental climate characterized by distinct seasons and relatively low humidity. Summers are generally short and warm, while winters are cold and snowy. The city’s elevation of around 5,500 feet contributes to its climate, resulting in cooler temperatures compared to lower-altitude areas.
- Summer (June-August): Butte’s summer months are generally mild and pleasant, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. While the days are warm, the nights can be cool, providing relief from the daytime heat. Summer is an ideal time for outdoor activities, and visitors can explore the surrounding natural beauty, including nearby mountains and lakes.
- Fall (September-November): Fall brings cooler temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. The changing foliage adds a touch of vibrant colors to the landscape. Fall is a lovely time to explore Butte’s historic districts and enjoy the crisp, clear days before winter sets in.
- Winter (December-February): Winters in Butte are cold, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common, creating a winter wonderland. Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports are popular activities in the nearby mountains. Residents and visitors alike bundle up to enjoy the seasonal beauty.
- Spring (March-May): Spring brings a gradual thaw, with temperatures starting to rise. Average highs range from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. As the snow melts, the landscape comes to life with budding trees and blooming flowers. Spring is a rejuvenating time, and outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails and parks.
Butte, Montana, is a city with a rich mining history and a climate that reflects the changing seasons. From its prosperous mining days to its present-day efforts in economic diversification, Butte continues to evolve while preserving its unique heritage. The city’s climate offers a diverse range of outdoor activities throughout the year, making it an intriguing destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
