This Month in Montana History: November

November 18th 1864, 158 years ago: Prospector James E. Riley claims rights to the land that will be Boulder Hot Springs. By 1867, he will construct a crude bathhouse and tavern that is a far cry from the opulent Queen Anne-style building that exists today.

November 19th 1867, 135 years ago: The Montana Central Railway between Great Falls and Helena is completed.

November 8th 1889, 133 years ago: Montana officially becomes the 41st state in the United States.

November 4th 1897, 125 years ago: A magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes Montana, with an epicenter near Dillon. The tremors could be felt...