Montana is called the Last Best Place for a reason. We’re big on nostalgia here, and we would rather most things stayed the same. However, there’s no denying that the Treasure State looks different than it used to, and that’s not always a bad thing. These cities have done a great job of paving the way for progress.

1. Bozeman's Main Street in the early 1940s.
Russell Lee/Photogrammar
Bozeman was founded in 1883. For many years, it looked almost exactly the same.
2. Main Street in Bozeman now.
Tim Evanson / Flickr
While it seems as if a new shop, restaurant or bar is always opening in downtown Bozeman, you must admit the historic buildings have been well-preserved.
3. The Go Western Parade in Billings in 1939.
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
We're not quite sure when this parade stopped happening, but we wish it wouldn't have.
4. Downtown Billings during Alive After 5 in 2019.
Downtown Billings / Facebook
Downtown Billings' official summer concert series was unfortunately canceled this year. But next year's festivities will be better than ever.
5. Downtown Dillon in 1942.
Russell Lee/Photogrammar
Dillon has always been a historic treasure.

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6. Downtown Dillon now.
Jasperdo / Flickr
This is probably one of the least-changed cities in Montana, and we love that. Visiting here feels like going back in time.
7. This is what Wisdom looked like in 1942.
John Vachon/Photogrammar
Look familiar?
8. And this is what downtown Wisdom looked like a decade ago.
Jay Galvin / Flickr
New businesses have opened, and plenty of technological advancements have been made. But this tiny town is frozen in time in many ways.
9. Main Street Hamilton is 1939.
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
The town of Hamilton was incorporated in 1894.
10. Beautiful downtown Hamilton today.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Today, it's a small but bustling little city with a population of around 4,500 Montanans.

Which of the Treasure State’s cities do you think has changed the most in the last century? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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