From the ski slopes of Big Sky to the cowboy culture of the show Yellowstone, Montana looms large in the American imagination—but how well do these images reflect reality? This course explores the true story of the Treasure State, examining its rich history, complex cultural identity, and evolving political landscape. We’ll trace Montana’s path from Indigenous homelands and frontier conflicts to mining booms, homesteading, and the modern rise of tourism and media portrayals like Yellowstone. Along the way, we’ll unpack persistent myths and consider how Montana’s past informs its present-day debates around land use, resource extraction, governance, and identity. Through discussion, historical sources, and critical media analysis, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Montana beyond the mythos—and how its real story reflects broader patterns in the American West.