1. The Battle of Powder River: On April 19, 1876, a detachment of the United States Army led by Captain William J. Fetterman clashed with Lakota Sioux warriors near the Powder River in eastern Montana. The battle resulted in the deaths of all 81 soldiers under Fetterman’s command, making it one of the deadliest defeats suffered by the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars.

2. Earthquakes in Yellowstone: On April 19, 1909, a series of earthquakes shook the area around Yellowstone National Park in western Montana. The largest quake had a magnitude of 7.5, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Montana. The earthquakes caused significant damage to buildings and roads in the park, and helped to raise awareness of the seismic activity in the region.

3. Tornadoes in eastern Montana: On April 19, 2011, a tornado outbreak struck several states in the central and southern United States, including Montana. Multiple tornadoes touched down in eastern Montana, causing damage to homes and businesses in the towns of Circle, Wibaux, and Glendive.

4. The creation of Glacier National Park: On April 19, 1910, President William Howard Taft signed a bill into law that established Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. The park encompasses over one million acres of scenic wilderness, including glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

5. Air Force Base established: On April 19, 1948, Great Falls Air Force Base was established in central Montana. The base was initially used for training bomber pilots during the Cold War, but has since been repurposed as a logistics and support center for the U.S. Air Force. Today, the base is home to the 341st Missile Wing, which operates and maintains a fleet of intercontinental ballistic missiles.