1. On February 24, 1864, Montana Territory was officially established by an act of the United States Congress. This marked the beginning of the territory's government and paved the way for eventual statehood in 1889.

2. In 1870, the first telegraph line was completed in Montana, connecting the cities of Helena and Virginia City. This allowed for faster communication and helped to spur economic growth in the territory.

3. On February 24, 1891, Montana State University was founded in Bozeman. Originally known as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana, the institution has grown to become a major research university with a diverse range of academic programs.

4. In 1918, Montana became the first state to grant women the right to vote by popular referendum. This landmark decision helped to pave the way for women's suffrage nationwide.

5. On February 24, 1968, three members of the Montana Air National Guard were killed when their F-100 fighter jet crashed near Helena. The pilots were on a training mission when the accident occurred, and their sacrifice has been commemorated by a memorial at the Helena Regional Airport.