Montana , Rocky Mt. state in the NW United States. It is bounded by North Dakota and South Dakota (E), Wyoming (S), Idaho (W), and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan (N). In and around Montana's mountainous western region are the large mineral deposits for which the state is famous—copper, silver, gold, platinum, zinc, lead, and manganese. The eastern part of the state is noted for its petroleum and natural gas, and there are also vast subbituminous coal deposits, worked largely at the most extensive U.S. open-pit mines. Montana also mines vermiculite, chromite, tungsten, molybdenum, and palladium. Leading industries manufacture forest products, processed foods, and refined petroleum. Previously part of, successively, the territories of Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Dakota, and Idaho, Montana itself became a territory in 1864. It was still a rough frontier, however, and the first governor, Sidney Edgerton, was driven out of the region; later Thomas Francis Meagher, appointed temporary governor, died mysteriously. After the Civil War the grasslands attracted ranchers, and in 1866 the first cattle were brought in from Texas over the Bozeman Trail, to the area east of the Bighorn Mts. Yet it was not until after wars with the Sioux that ranching was safe. The Sioux did not tamely submit to having their lands taken from them; in 1876 at the battle of the Little Bighorn, they defeated Col. George A. Custer and his force in one of the greatest of Native American victories. The Sioux were eventually subdued, and the gallant attempt of Chief Joseph of the Nez Percé to lead his people into Canada to escape pursuing U.S. troops had its pitiful end in Montana.

The state economy is based on agriculture, ranching, logging, mining, and tourism. Montana plains provide wheat, barley, rye, oats and other important crops. Sheep and cattle are significant to the economy. Montana has a strong job market with the service sector contributing the most value. Montana is called the Treasure State because of its mineral wealth. Montana apartment rentals will allow you to be near mountains and forests and provide a respite from big city life.

Montana is known as "Big Sky Country" because of its vast size and rolling plains. Montana is the 4th largest state by land mass, but ranks 44th in population. If you like wide open spaces consider Montana apartment rentals. Montana is divided into the Eastern region and the Western region which are separated by the Rocky Mountains. Eastern Montana has low lying plains, bluffs and cliffs and is more sparsely populated with large ranching and agricultural operations. Western Montana has higher rainfall and more mountains and considered more picturesque. There is a lot of wildlife around the state which includes buffalo, deer, elk moose, and bears. Montana is known as a headwaters state because much of the water that flows to the rest of the nation comes from the mountains of Montana.

Hunting, fishing, skiing, whitewater rafting, and visiting dude ranches attract many tourists to the state. Other points of interest are the Glacier National Park with 60 glaciers and 200 lakes, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and Yellowstone National Park. Montana is also home to some of the best skateparks in the country. Housing and apartment rentals in Montana are available for your selection.

Carroll College is a Roman Catholic Liberal Arts college and provides education for 1,500 students. University of Montana is located in Missoula which is the second largest city. Montana State University is in Bozeman which is one of the most diverse small towns. Montana State University houses The Museum of the Rockies featuring displays of dinosaurs and dinosaur eggs unearthed in Montana, Plains Indian artifacts and pioneer and Western art exhibits. Montana has apartments to rent college students.