The course of Montana’s history changed in 1862 because of a few weathered wooden buildings that were standing beside Grasshopper Creek. Prospectors discovered rich deposits of gold in the area and established Bannack, the territory’s first major mining town.

The course of Montana’s history changed in 1862 because of a few weathered wooden buildings that were standing beside Grasshopper Creek. Prospectors discovered rich deposits of…

Montana's first territorial capital, Bannack, was established in 1862 after gold discovery. This frontier town quickly grew and then declined as miners moved on. Montana…