This Month in Montana History: April

April 12th 1864, 159 years ago: The American Civil War begins. Montana would not become a territory until three years later and played little role in the Civil War itself. Despite this, several Montanans enlisted in Union regiments during this time, and a company of "Galvanized Yankees," primarily made up of former prisoners of war, were stationed at Fort Benton.

April 1st 1873, 150 years ago: The Coinage Act is enacted, ending silver standard dollars and causing a crash in the silver industry. This crash led to many of Jefferson County's mining operations to close or reduce staff and capacity...