Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Helena is the capital of Montana.
An easy characterization of the shift in politics follows the state's population trends. The
eastern part of the state—more rural, less industrialized—is more Republican but is losing
population. The western part of Montana, from Bozeman west toward Butte and Missoula,
is seeing rapid population expansion and more liberal influences taking root. Many observ-
ers argue that the younger, more intellectual western part of the state will soon “take over”
Montana politics. Only time will tell.
Wyoming Territory was formed in 1869, but the road to statehood did not begin until 1888.
After a few statehood bills failed to pass, the House finally passed the bill on March 27,
1890, making Wyoming the 44th state after President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill in-
to law soon after. Its capital is Cheyenne.
During the territorial era, the Wyoming Legislature played a pivotal role in the U.S. suf-
frage movement. In 1869, just 4 years after the Civil War and 35 years before women's
