Montana, U.S. state in the Mountain West region, US
Montana is a state in the Mountain West region of the United States, stretching from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the Great Plains in the east. The landscape shifts between forested mountain ridges, wide grassland prairies, and deep river valleys threaded by streams and waterways.
The territory was established in 1864 as prospectors flooded the region and mining towns sprang up. It became a state in 1889 after the economy shifted from gold extraction to ranching and agriculture.
Many communities celebrate their ranching and mining past through local rodeos and folk gatherings held during summer months. Families often gather at community halls or public squares on weekends to share meals and listen to live music together.
Most visitors explore the area between May and September when roads and trails in higher elevations remain accessible. During winter many mountain passes close but ski resorts and snowmobile routes open at lower elevations.
At one point in the mountains water divides and flows in three different directions toward three separate oceans. This spot sits in a remote part of the wilderness and remains unknown to many visitors.
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