Gary Cooper's real first name was Frank, but the movie studios called him profitable. Cooper made a number of successful films, including the classic western "High Noon." Birthplace: Helena.
Born in a covered wagon, Will James got an early start on his life as a cowboy. Though without formal education, he began writing and illustrating books about the West. His book Smoky, won the Newbery Medal for best children's book in 1926. Birthplace: Great Falls.
A former copper miner and history teacher, Mike Mansfield went on to become a U.S. Senator from Montana from 1953 to 1977. He also served as the country's ambassador to Japan. Birthplace: New York City.
Jeanette Rankin was instrumental in acquiring the right to vote for women. She was also the first woman to serve in the United States Congress as she won a House seat in 1917. Birthplace: Missoula.
Charles Russell heard the call of the West at the age of 15 when he left Missouri for Montana. His vivid and detailed paintings evoke the Wild West and the difficult lives of cowboys. Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri.
