“Perhaps no single pioneer left such a lasting mark on Montana as Francis M. Thompson.”  (Rich Aarstad, Senior Archivist, Montana Historical Society) Francis McGhee Thompson (1833-1916) came to Montana in the gold rush of the 1860s. He was an investor, adventurer, and explorer with the American Exploring and Mineral Company. He settled in Bannack where gold was being mined along Grasshopper Creek. Bannack became the first capital of the Territory of Montana. Although he remained in Montana only a few years, he packed in a deep involvement with many people. He figures prominently in Bannack events and the foundation of…