Oct. 24 -- On this day in Montana history in 1926 Cowboy Artist Charles M. Russell died at his Great Falls home.  He was mourned across Montana and the nation. The Great Falls Tribune said “Genius whose brush portrayed the colorful life of Montana’s early days, lays down his palette to answer great call.”

Oct. 23 -- Oct. 23 – On this day in Montana history in 1844 Louis Riel was born in a Canadian Métis Indian colony. He was exiled from Canada after leading two unsuccessful rebellions. His happiest years were spent in Montana where he worked for the rights of his people here.

Oct. 22 -- Oct. 22 – On this day in Montana history in 1903 Judge William Clancy enjoined the company from doing business “branding” them an outlaw.  Amalgamated said it would shut down Montana operations costing 15,000 workers their jobs. Butte was in crisis.

  Oct. 21 – On this day in Montana history in 1925 a major sugar mill was opened before a large crowd in Chinook  Sugar beets were a major crop in Montana for many years until other sources and methods proved cheaper for production of sugar.

Oct. 20 – On this day in Montana history in 1864 Territorial Gov. Sidney Edgerton issued an ominous warning to the criminals that were terrorizing citizens. The order requested that law abiding citizens “assemble for the purpose of forming themselves into militia companies subject to my orders.” 

Oct. 19 – On this day in Montana history in 1947 what was called “The greatest sports crowd in state history” estimated at 11,000 saw the Montana State Bobcats beat the Montana Grizzlies 13 to 12. Special trains brought fans from all over the state to Butte for the game.

Oct. 18 – On this day in Montana history in 1935 Helena was rocked by a major earthquake that struck at 9:52 p.m. and lasted for more than 10 seconds. One person was killed and many injured and millions of dollars of damage were left in its wake.