Here are 5 interesting facts about January 20 in Montana history:

1. In 1894, the Montana Legislature approved a law creating the Montana School of Mines in Butte. The school offered courses in mining engineering, metallurgy, and geology, and was the first public institution in the United States devoted solely to mining education.

2. On January 20, 1919, the Montana Legislature ratified the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which established Prohibition. Montana was one of the first states to ratify the amendment, which went into effect in 1920 and banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

3. In 1940, the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge was the site of a major escape attempt. A group of inmates took several guards hostage and attempted to gain control of the prison. The standoff lasted several days before the prisoners were eventually subdued.

4. On January 20, 1950, the U.S. Air Force established Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls. The base played a key role in the U.S. nuclear deterrent during the Cold War and is still active today as a missile and helicopter wing.

5. In 1978, Montana Governor Thomas Judge declared a state of emergency due to a severe blizzard that hit the state on January 20-21. The storm dumped up to 70 inches of snow in some areas and caused widespread damage and power outages.