1. Montana Statehood Day: March 2, 1889, is a significant date in Montana history as it marks the day Montana became the 41st state of the United States. Montana is known for its rugged terrain, natural landscapes, and rich history of mining, ranching, and logging.

2. The Death of A Legendary Cowboy: On March 2, 1949, Montana lost one of its legendary cowboys, Theodore Roosevelt "T.R." Matson, who died at the age of 97. T.R. Matson was a skilled horseman and cowboy who had worked on some of the largest ranches in Montana in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was known for his toughness and his ability to handle wild horses and cattle.

3. Montana's First Black Lawmaker: On this day in 2017, Montana remembered the life and legacy of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress and the first female member of Congress to vote against going to war. On March 2, 1917, Rankin was sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives. Rankin was also a prominent suffragist and peace activist, and she spent her life advocating for women's rights and social justice.

4. Montana's Oldest Newspaper: The Montana Standard, one of Montana's oldest newspapers, was first published on March 2, 1881, in the mining town of Butte. The newspaper has been a source of news and information for residents of southwestern Montana for over 140 years, covering everything from politics and business to sports and entertainment.

5. Montana's First Railroad: On March 2, 1883, the Montana Central Railway, the state's first railroad, was completed from Helena to Butte. The railway was built to transport ore from the Butte mines to smelters in Helena and beyond. The Montana Central Railway played a significant role in the development of Montana's mining industry and helped spur economic growth in the state.