Montana Letters

Montana Tech's Big M in Butte is often lit up for special occasions, such as St. Patrick's Day and Independence Day. It can be lit as a V when Tech's athletic teams are victorious.

There's also one above Virginia City. And yes, Reno and Carson City claim six letters between them: C for Carson, D for Damonte Ranch High School (Reno), G for Galena High School (Reno), N for University of Nevada (Reno), R (for Reno High School), and S for Stewart (the old Indian school in Carson).

Although it remains a symbol of The University of Montana, the M has come to be widely acknowledged as a universal icon that also represents the city it overlooks from the mountain to the east. All you have to do is look toward Mount Sentinel and you know that the M means Missoula.

Recreation. The "L" The letter L cemented onto the face of Mount Jumbo represents Loyola Sacred Heart Catholic High School, situated at the base of the mountain. The trail to the L gains 500 feet in elevation over 1.5 miles.

Missouri - Mo. Montana - Mont. Nebraska - Neb. or Nebr.

The first three mountain monograms built were constructed to end rivalries between different graduating classes at universities. Letters have also been erected to celebrate winning teams, to commemorate the building of high schools, in memory of local community members, and as Boy Scout projects.

On the side of the mountain just above Pleasant Grove High School stands the Pleasant Grove G.The "G" is lit three times during the year -- for Pleasant Grove's Strawberry Days, for Pleasant Grove High School's graduation and for their homecoming festivities.

The letter marked a truce between those warring classes. It was tradition for freshmen and sophomores to engage in something like a violent version of the game King of the Hill.

Missouri - Mo. Montana - Mont. Nebraska - Neb. or Nebr. Nevada - Nev.