1. In 1889, Montana Governor Preston Leslie signed a bill creating Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States. The park spans over 2.2 million acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife and geological formations.

2. On April 2, 1917, the United States officially declared war on Germany, entering World War I. Montana played a significant role in the war effort, with over 32,000 Montanans serving in the military and the state's coal mines and agriculture industries providing crucial resources.

3. In 1934, the Norris Dam on the Madison River near Ennis, Montana was completed. The dam was constructed as part of the New Deal's efforts to bring hydroelectric power and irrigation to rural areas. Today, the dam still provides power to nearby communities and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

4. On April 2, 1984, Montana Governor Ted Schwinden signed a bill into law designating the bitterroot as the official state flower. The bitterroot, a pink or magenta flower that blooms in the spring, is native to the Rocky Mountains and is an important symbol of Montana's natural beauty and rugged spirit.

5. In 2005, the Montana Museum of Art and Culture at the University of Montana opened a new exhibition showcasing the work of renowned Montana artist Charles M. Russell. Russell, who lived from 1864 to 1926, is known for his paintings and sculptures depicting the American West and its cowboys, Native Americans, and wildlife. The museum's collection of Russell's work is one of the largest in the world.