SR41 is a nod to the 41st state 

SR41. Is it a reference to a ski locker number? The 41st county, McCone?  Neither.  It simply refers to Montana’s statehood history when it joined the union as the 41st state on November 8th, 1889.   
  
Turns out, the nod to “41” brings us back to a fascinating time.  During Harrison’s presidency, Montana joined the growing union right behind North and South Dakota’s simultaneous entries of 39th and 40th states (November 2nd, 1889).  These lands had been mostly part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which stretched into modern day Canada.    
  
Reading Montana 1889 newspapers on the Lewis and Clark Library’s microfiche reels, shows newspapers costing 5 cents, ads for “New York” priced ready-to-wear clothes, and scandal stories not suitable for children. 

  
During this time, Montana’s residents were not a homogeneous group.  In fact, most residents at the time were from far away, having crossed seas and vast tracts of land without roads or reliable maps.    The largest commercial ventures of the day were metal mining, (over $25 million).  Butte’s population was over 47,000. The citizens came from Ireland, Montenegro, China, Austria and on and on.  Down in the mines, the “No Smoking” signs were posted in 16 languages!  
  
After Montana’s official statehood, there was turmoil to decide the location of Montana’s capital city.  There are tales of stuffed ballot boxes, over $3 million* spent on newspaper ads, free booze given to voters, and elaborate firework shows.  The Capitol building in Helena began construction 10 years later and was dedicated by circuit preacher named "Brother Van" (William Van Ordesl), a rare friend of native peoples, renown painter Charlie Russell, and many common folks. 

 The “41” on Smith and Rogue’s clothing tips its hat to those who made Western history.  And to those travelers today who hallow the days' adventures around a fire and stand in awe of ancient vistas that remain.  To you we say, “Viva al Oeste”.  
  
What else happened in 1889?  
The Ghost Dance movement began in the Dakotas  
The Coca-Cola Company was incorporated  
The world’s tallest building is erected in Paris (the Eiffel Tower)  
Buffalo soldiers were awarded for their bravery during a robbery in Arizona  
  
*Financial figures not adjusted for inflation