1. On December 4, 1871, the University of Montana was established in Missoula as the Montana State University. Initially, it had only three teachers and 60 students. Today, it has grown to become one of the largest universities in Montana, offering over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs.

2. In 1891, Montana's first state capitol building was completed in Helena on December 4. The historic structure was designed by Frank Mills Andrews and served as the seat of government until 1959 when it was replaced by the current capitol building.

3. On December 4, 1906, the Anaconda Copper Mining Company was found guilty of violating federal antitrust laws. Anaconda was one of the largest mining companies in Montana, and the case was a significant victory for the federal government in its efforts to regulate corporate monopolies.

4. In 1915, a massive explosion at the Smith Mine in Red Lodge killed 74 miners on December 4. The disaster remains one of the deadliest mining accidents in Montana history and led to significant reforms in mining safety regulations.

5. On December 4, 1942, the United States Army activated the 163rd Infantry Regiment, which was composed entirely of Japanese Americans from Hawaii. The regiment fought in Italy during World War II and earned numerous honors for its bravery, despite facing discrimination and bigotry from some of their fellow soldiers.