1. Montana became a state on February 19, 1889. It was the 41st state to join the Union.

2. On February 19, 1937, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the Helena area. The quake was felt across much of Montana and caused significant damage in Helena, including the collapse of several buildings.

3. On February 19, 1971, the Montana Historical Society opened a new museum building in Helena. The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Montana and its people.

4. In 1805, February 19 was the day that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached the Bitterroot Valley in present-day Montana during their famous expedition exploring the American West.

5. On February 19, 1909, Montana Senator Thomas J. Walsh began his investigation into the Teapot Dome scandal, a bribery and corruption scandal involving the leasing of government-owned oil reserves. The investigation eventually led to the conviction of several government officials, including the Secretary of the Interior.