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Montana Constitutional Convention (1889) records

 Collection
Identifier: RS-148

Scope and Contents

The records of the 1889 Constitutional Convention include general correspondence, financial records, journal of daily sessions, general topical files arranged by file number; propositions (include committee reports); resolutions and ordinances; status reports; bill book; constitution draft; oaths of office; petitions; memorials; rules; membership list; and convention letterhead.

Dates

  • Creation: 1889

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Use of the handwritten copy of the stenographer's notes is restricted due to its fragile condition; a photocopy is available for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of the Montana Historical Society. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collection. In some cases permission for use may require additional authorization from the copyright owners. For more information contact an archivist.

Biographical / Historical

On February 22, 1889, President Grover Cleveland signed an enabling act known as the Omnibus Statehood Bill, providing for constitutional conventions to be called on July 4, 1889, in Montana, Washington, and North and South Dakota territories. A convention was called in Helena, the territorial capital of Montana, to draft a constitution. Seventy-five delegates were elected in May from the sixteen existing counties. The convention was in session from July 4 to August 17, 1889. William A. Clark served as president of the convention.

On October 1, 1889, the draft constitution was approved by a vote of the people of Montana Territory. The U.S. Congress also approved the constitution, and a proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison on November 8, 1889, admitted Montana as the forty-first state.

Extent

1 linear feet

Abstract

These Montana Constitutional Convention records (1889) consist of correspondence, a journal of daily proceedings, stenographer's notes, subject files, propositions, reports, resolutions, petitions, oaths of office, draft constitution, rules, membership lists, etc.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by series

Physical Location

28:6-2

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Acquisition information is available upon request.

Title
Guide to the Montana Constitutional Convention (1889) records, 1889
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Sue Jackson, 1989
Date
2006
Description rules
)
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Repository Details

Part of the Montana Historical Society, Research Center Archives Repository

Contact:
225 North Roberts
PO Box 201201
Helena MT 59620-1201 United States
406-444-2681
406-444-2696 (Fax)