One of the First Things New People Notice in Montana

When you visit Montana for the first time, certain things may catch you off guard. Here's what most new people notice first.

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You might think people notice how big the sky is. After all, Montana is known as Big Sky Country. While it may be awe-inspiring, Montana's vast, endless skies aren't what people notice.

What is the First Thing New People Notice in Montana?

Instead, the thing the people notice is part of a long-standing tradition in the state. It's a simple reminder of how precious life is.

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I was recently conversing with a coworker who moved to Montana from Georgia. He said when he moved to Montana, there was one thing that surprised him more than anything else. So, what was it?

If you've spent much time in Montana, you're most likely aware of the meaning behind little white crosses along roads and highways. If you're new, you may not be aware of the special meaning behind them.

The white wooden crosses mark sites where vehicle fatalities have occurred as a way to honor the lives of those lost. It's known as the Montana Highway Fatality Marker Program, and has been a tradition in the state since it began in 1953.

The American Legion maintains the fatality markers. You can learn more about the program [here]. The program is unique to Montana, which is the only state that honors vehicle fatality victims with a marker at the crash site.