Learn more about Bigfork and the surrounding Flathead Valley by visiting the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce's website at www.bigfork.org Montana is a Rocky Mountain state located in the NorthWest United States. It is bounded by North Dakota and South Dakota (E), Wyoming (S), Idaho (W), and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan (N). Area: 147,138 sq. mi
Pop: (2000) 902,195
Capital: Helena
Largest City: Billings
Motto: Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver)
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Flower: Bitterroot
State Tree: Ponderosa Pine In and around Montana's mountainous western region are the large mineral deposits for which the state is famous: copper, silver, gold, platinum, zinc, lead, and manganese. The eastern part of the state is noted for it's petroleum and natural gas; and there are also vast subbituminous coal deposits worked largely at the most extensive US open pit mines. Montana also mines vermiculite, chromite, tungsten, molybdenum, and palladium. Leading industries manufacture forest products, processed foods, and refined petroleum. Wheat is the most valuable farm item with cattle also of primary importance. Other principal crops include barley, sugar beets, and hay. Much of the fourth largest US state is still sparsely populated country dominated by spectacular nature. High granite peaks, forests, lakes, and such wonders as those of Glacier National Park attract many visitors to Montana. Other places of interest include Little Bighorn Battelfield National Monument, Big Hole National Battlefield, Grant Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, National Bison Range, Lewis and Clark Caverns and Yellowstone National Park. |