Capital Helena Became a State November 8, 1889 (41st) Location Pacific Northwest and Great Plaines of United States Area147,042 sq. miles (4th) Population 989,415 (44th) Major Cities Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Butte, Boseman, Helene Products wheat, sugar beets, cattle ranching, gold, silver, copper, coal, oil, lumber Climate equally varied between continental climate, which is warmer winter and summer, and Pacific coast climate with milder winters, cooler summers Yearly Precipitation averages 15 inches Professional Sports Teams no professional sport teams Major Waterways Yellowstone River, Clark Fork River, Missouri River Most Famous Citizens Gary Cooper (actor) Chet Huntley (journalist) Myrna Loy (actress) Sacajawea (Indian guide) Evel Kniewel (daredevil motorcyclist)