1. Lewis and Clark Expedition: On July 5, 1806, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived at the Three Forks of the Missouri River in what is now Montana. This marked the end of their historic expedition to explore and map the American West.

2. Battle of the Big Hole: On July 5, 1877, U.S. Army troops under the command of Colonel John Gibbon attacked a camp of Nez Perce Indians in the Big Hole Valley of southwestern Montana. The Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph, put up stiff resistance and managed to escape after a two-day battle.

3. Anaconda Copper Mine Disaster: On July 5, 1917, an explosion at the Anaconda Copper Mine in Butte, Montana killed 168 miners. It remains one of the worst mining disasters in American history.

4. Festival of Nations: On July 5, 1930, the first Festival of Nations was held in Butte, Montana. The festival was a celebration of the city's diverse ethnic communities and featured parades, pageants, and cultural events.

5. Wildfire Season: July 5 is also the start of wildfire season in Montana. The state experiences some of the most severe wildfires in the country due to its hot, dry summers and vast woodlands. In 2021 alone, Montana has already seen over 150 wildfires, burning over 36,000 acres of land.