The US government purchased the Louisiana territory and later Montana was carved out from it. Thirteen states in total were carved out from Louisiana territory. Montana became a state on 9th November, 1889 as the 41st state of US. In 1894 Helena outbid Anaconda to become state capitol, the result of the famous “War of the Copper Kings.”
The original constitution was written in 1889, but had become outdated and was rectified by the elected delegates in 1972. Now the legislature meets for 90 days in odd-number years. All members are elected for a period of four years. Fort Owen State Park is the site of first white settlement in Montana. The fort was built as a regional trade center in 1850. All the furnishings and artifacts are saved in the restored rooms. The site is listed on National Register of Historic Places.
Walk along the steamboat levee and see the part of the town once called “the bloodiest block in the west.” Also view the ruins of “Historic Fort Benton.” Created in 1864, Fort Benton became the hub for trade and travels in north-western US and Canada. Many vessels used to dock in its harbor bringing and taking many traders. At Sluice Boxes only camping is permitted, but no amenities are provided. At least it has a trail going to the Lewis and Clark Forest and Little Belt Mountains. It is located in north central Montana. Fishing is permitted on its streams.
Pompeys Pillar National Historic Landmark is a rock that’s rising 200 ft above the Yellowstone River. Various markings on the rocks depict that people used to meet, camp and hunt centuries ago. It also has a carving of Captain William Clark’s signature and date of 1806. Interpretive tours are also available.
It later became the military HQ. Most of the original buildings still stand. It became the State agriculture experiment station in 1911 and continues so to-day. Fort Assinniboine Historic Site, Northern Agriculture Research Center was built in 1879 and was the largest military fort west of Mississippi River. Its length was 40 miles and the breadth was 15 miles.
Fairmount Hot Springs Resort is a place, which offers its visitors lots of Massages and makes them feel totally relaxed. It also offers them lots of water related activities making best of Montana in one place. A real wild and roaring destination and its original structures still standing like the Hotel, the Temple and the town jail. Spanish Peaks Brewery and Italian Caffe is a place where tourists who want to fill their stomachs can come. It offers you various Spanish ales and Italian food for lunch, dinner or just for taste. On Sundays it offers drinks at discounts.