Created out of the Idaho Territory in 1864, the name Montana originated as a derivative of the Latin word "montaanus" which translates to mean mountainous.

The state flag was originally adopted in 1905 and amended in 1981. The current flag has the word "Montana" centered, on a blue field in large gold letters above the state seal. The seal contains an image that represents some of Montana's beautiful landscapes. The pick, plow and shovel represent mining and farming industries while the sun rises over mountains, forests and the Great Falls of the Missouri river. At the bottom, a ribbon contains the latin words, "Oro - Y - Plata" which means "Gold and Silver".