1. In 1877, General Nelson A. Miles arrived in Helena, Montana to take command of the U.S. Army's campaign against the Nez Perce Indians. The campaign would culminate in the Battle of the Big Hole on August 9-10, 1877.

2. On July 31, 1935, the Montana Farmers Union was founded in Great Falls. The organization represented the interests of family farmers and ranchers in the state, and fought for fair prices, conservation, and rural electrification.

3. In 1985, a major oil spill occurred in the Yellowstone River near Laurel, Montana. The spill was caused by the rupture of a pipeline owned by the Exxon Corporation, and resulted in the contamination of over 140 miles of river. The spill had a devastating impact on the region's wildlife and ecology.

4. On July 31, 2007, a magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck just outside of Helena. The quake caused no significant damage or injuries, but was a reminder that Montana is not immune to seismic activity.

5. In 2012, the 70th annual Montana East-West Shrine Game was played in Butte. The game featured some of the best high school football players from across the state, and raised money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The West team won the game 23-11.