On November 8, 1889, Montana entered the Union as the 41st state. The territory had attracted settlers through mining booms, cattle ranching, and railroad construction. Statehood gave residents full representation in Congress and greater control over local affairs. Montana’s economy was strongly tied to natural resources, especially copper, silver, and timber. Conflicts over land use and relations with Native nations shaped early state politics. Admission of Montana was part of a cluster of new western states added during the late 1880s and early 1890s.
