1. Montana became the 41st state to join the United States of America on July 9, 1889. The state was named after the Spanish word for mountain, highlighting the state's natural beauty and range of landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains.

2. July 9, 1932, marks the day that Montana's Glacier National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to over 130 lakes, including the crystal-clear Lake McDonald, and is known for its stunning glacier-carved valleys and peaks.

3. In 1943, the Battle of Bear Paw Canyon took place on July 9, ending a conflict between the US government and the Nez Perce tribe over their forced relocation to a reservation. The five-day battle resulted in the death of prominent Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph and the capture of the remaining 87 tribe members.

4. July 9, 1965, was a significant day for Montana's civil rights history, as Governor Tim Babcock signed the Montana Human Rights Act into law. The legislation banned discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, and national origin, and marked an important step towards equal rights in the state.

5. Montana's mining industry has played a significant role in its history, and on July 9, 1981, the Anaconda Copper Mine closed its doors after over 90 years of operation. The mine was once the largest producer of copper in the world and employed thousands of workers, but its closure marked the end of an era for Montana's mining industry.