The Treasure State: A History of Montana (The Hardy Histories of the States of America)

A Sweeping History of the Great State of Montana From the ancient hunting grounds of the Blackfeet and Crow nations to the modern battlegrounds over wilderness and development, Montana's story embodies the epic sweep of the American West. In this compelling entry in The Hardy Histories of the States of America series, readers will discover how Big Sky Country evolved from a pristine wilderness into one of America's most mythologized landscapes. The Treasure State chronicles the dramatic human saga that unfolded across Montana's vast plains and towering mountains: Lewis and Clark's groundbreaking expedition, the frenzy of gold rush boom towns, the tragic final chapters of the Indian Wars at Little Bighorn and Bear Paw, and the larger-than-life Copper Kings who built industrial empires in the Rockies. The narrative continues through the homesteading era that brought thousands of hopeful farmers to the northern plains, the environmental awakening that transformed Montana's economy, and the contemporary challenges facing a state caught between preservation and progress. Drawing on extensive research and vivid storytelling, this authoritative yet accessible history reveals how Montana became both a real place where ordinary people built extraordinary lives and a powerful symbol of American freedom and possibility. The Treasure State is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the forces that shaped the American West and continue to influence the region today. View Less