1. In 1865, the territorial legislature approves the establishment of Montana State University, then known as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, it is one of the state's most prominent institutions of higher education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

2. In 1876, a group of miners working in the Comstock Lode of Virginia City strike silver, sparking a major boom in mining activity in the area. The Comstock Lode proved to be one of the richest deposits of silver in the world, and helped to fuel Montana's economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

3. In 1901, the state's first automobile fatality occurs when a doctor from Big Sandy crashes his vehicle while driving from Havre to Great Falls. The incident highlights the growing popularity of automobiles in Montana, and the need for improved roads and safety regulations.

4. In 1953, the US Air Force establishes Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, to serve as a key site for strategic missile defense during the Cold War. The base remains an important part of Montana's military and economic landscape, employing thousands of people and contributing millions of dollars to the local economy each year.

5. In 1972, the Montana Constitution, which remains in effect today, is signed into law by Governor Forrest H. Anderson. The new constitution includes a number of significant reforms, including greater protections for individual rights and the environment, and stronger checks and balances on the state's government and political leaders.