1. On February 18, 1881, Helen Clarke, daughter of one of Montana’s early pioneers, became the first woman to graduate from the University of Montana. She went on to become a teacher, writer, and advocate for women’s suffrage.

2. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) into law, which had a huge impact on Montana’s wilderness and natural resources. The CCC employed thousands of young men across Montana to work on projects like building trails, planting trees, and fighting forest fires.

3. On February 18, 1952, the Anaconda Copper Mining Company shut down its smelter in Anaconda, Montana, after over 60 years of operation. The closure was a significant blow to the town’s economy and led to a decline in population.

4. In 1979, Montana’s first ski lift was installed at Discovery Basin, a small ski resort in the Big Hole Mountains. The resort has since expanded to include multiple lifts and offers world-class skiing and snowboarding.

5. February 18, 2015, marked the 100th anniversary of the Gallatin National Forest in southwestern Montana. The forest covers over 2.3 million acres and offers a variety of recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. It is one of Montana’s most prized natural resources.