January 18 is a significant day in Montana history that witnessed several events that shaped the state's culture, economy, and society. Here are five interesting facts about January 18 in Montana history:

1. Montana Territory was created on January 18, 1864 - President Abraham Lincoln signed the Organic Act, which created the Montana Territory out of parts of Idaho and Dakota Territories. The move was a significant step towards statehood and paved the way for the state of Montana's admission to the Union in 1889.

2. The Anaconda Copper Smelter Strike began on January 18, 1934 - Nearly 1,200 workers at the Anaconda Copper Company's smelter in Anaconda, Montana, went on strike for better wages and working conditions. The strike lasted for over a year and led to violent clashes between the strikers and company's security force.

3. The Browning School Bus Crash occurred on January 18, 1985 - A school bus carrying students from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to the Browning Elementary School crashed into a truck, killing nine children and one adult. The tragedy remains one of Montana's deadliest school bus accidents.

4. The temperature in Loma, Montana, reached a record high of 63 degrees Fahrenheit on January 18, 2002 - The unseasonably warm weather was a rare occurrence for January in Montana, where temperatures typically stay below freezing during the winter months.

5. Montana's first medical marijuana dispensary opened on January 18, 2011 - Montana was one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana, and the opening of the dispensary marked a significant milestone for patients who had been lobbying for access to the drug to manage their health conditions.