1. In 1887, the Northern Pacific Railroad completed a line through Montana that connected the state with the rest of the country. This helped boost Montana's economy and allowed for faster transportation of goods and people.

2. In 1905, the University of Montana was founded in Missoula. It started out as a small liberal arts college but has grown into a large university with over 10,000 students today.

3. In 1964, the Wilderness Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act protected over 9 million acres of land in Montana alone, preserving the state's natural beauty and wildlife for generations to come.

4. In 2011, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer signed a bill legalizing medical marijuana in the state. This was a controversial move at the time, but it allowed patients with certain medical conditions to access medical cannabis as a treatment option.

5. In 2018, Montana became the first state to require net neutrality for companies that contract with the state government. This law prohibits internet service providers from blocking or slowing down certain websites and services, ensuring equal access to information for all Montanans.