1. On December 12, 1871, Helena, Montana’s capital city, was officially incorporated.

2. In 1915, a devastating earthquake struck southwestern Montana, causing significant damage and claiming the lives of 28 people. The quake, which registered 6.3 on the Richter scale, was felt throughout the region.

3. On December 12, 1941, just five days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the citizens of Billings held a massive rally in support of the United States’ entry into World War II.

4. In 1964, beloved Montana children’s author and illustrator Ed Emberley won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for his book “Drummer Hoff”. December 12 marked one of the many significant achievements of his distinguished career.

5. On December 12, 2000, Montana Governor Marc Racicot announced that he would not seek a third term in office. Racicot had gained national attention during his tenure as governor, and would later serve as chairman of the Republican National Committee.