Elections in Montana  Montana became a territory May 28, 1864 and the first delegation created nine counties: Beaverhead, Big Horn (renamed Custer in 1877), Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Jefferson, Edgerton (renamed Lewis and Clark in 1867), Madison, and Missoula. Montana became a state on November 8, 1889  Included representatives from additional territorial counties: Meagher (1866), Dawson (1869), Silver Bow (1881), Yellowstone (1883), Fergus (1885), Park (1887), and Cascade (1887)  First election to include Flathead, Valley, Teton, Ravalli, Granite, Carbon, and Sweet Grass counties. First election to include Broadwater County  First election to include Powell and Rosebud counties. First election to include Sanders County  First election to include Lincoln, Musselshell, Hill and Blaine counties. First election to include Big Horn, Stillwater, Sheridan, Fallon, Toole, Richland, Mineral, Wibaux, Phillips, and Prairie counties. First election to include Liberty, Golden Valley, and Daniels counties. First election to include Judith Basin and Lake counties. First election to include Petroleum County.