Cities and Towns in Carter County, Montana
Founded in February 22, 1917, Carter County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Carter County was formed from Fallon County. The city of Ekalaka is the county seat. With FIPS code of 11, Carter County has a population of 1,428 and area of 3,340 square miles (8,651 km²).
List of all cities in Carter County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alzada, MT | 59311 | 406 |
| Boyes, MT | 59316 | 406 |
| Capitol, MT | 59319 | 406 |
| Ekalaka, MT | 59324 | 406 |
| Hammond, MT | 59332 | 406 |
| Mill Iron, MT | 59324 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Carter County, Montana
Ekalaka
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.34 sq mi
- Population: 332 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59324
- Latitude and Longitude: 45.8892° N, 104.5505° W
Location and History
Ekalaka, the county seat of Carter County, is a small town with a rich history rooted in the Old West and Native American culture. Named after a Sioux woman, the wife of one of the area’s early settlers, Ekalaka was officially founded in the late 19th century and grew as a ranching community. It served as a vital supply point for local ranchers and homesteaders in southeastern Montana. Surrounded by the scenic pine-covered hills of the Custer National Forest, Ekalaka offers a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The town is also known for its connections to paleontology, as the nearby Hell Creek Formation has yielded numerous dinosaur fossils, attracting researchers and tourists alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ekalaka is served by the Ekalaka Public Schools, which includes Carter County High School and Ekalaka Elementary. The town’s primary landmark is the Carter County Museum, the first county museum in Montana, housing significant paleontological discoveries from the Hell Creek Formation. Nearby Medicine Rocks State Park is another major attraction, known for its unique sandstone rock formations that hold cultural significance for Native American tribes. The annual Days of ‘85 celebration commemorates Ekalaka’s ranching heritage, bringing the community together for rodeo events, parades, and festivities that showcase the town’s Western spirit.
Alzada
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: Not incorporated
- Population: Approximately 29 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59311
- Latitude and Longitude: 45.0208° N, 104.3942° W
Location and History
Alzada is a small, unincorporated community located near the southeastern corner of Montana, close to the borders with South Dakota and Wyoming. Originally established as a stagecoach stop in the late 19th century, Alzada became a minor trade center for ranchers and travelers moving through the tri-state area. Its location along U.S. Highway 212 has helped maintain Alzada’s role as a stopover point for travelers exploring the region. Alzada’s history is deeply tied to the cowboy culture and ranching lifestyle of southeastern Montana, and it remains a rural community with a sparse population, reflecting the rugged, open landscape of Carter County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alzada falls under the Carter County School District, with students attending school in nearby Ekalaka. Major landmarks in the area include the Stoneville Saloon, a popular stop for motorcyclists and tourists passing through, offering a taste of the Old West. The Alzada area is also close to the Slim Buttes and Custer National Forest, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Community gatherings, though small, often celebrate the town’s cowboy heritage, bringing locals together to maintain the strong sense of identity in this remote part of Montana.
Hammond
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: Not incorporated
- Population: Approximately 21 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59332
- Latitude and Longitude: 45.3569° N, 104.3392° W
Location and History
Hammond is a tiny, unincorporated community located in southern Carter County, near the Wyoming border. Established in the early 20th century as a small ranching and farming settlement, Hammond was once a gathering place for local ranchers. The town’s remoteness and the vast surrounding prairie landscape define its character, and it has remained a quiet, rural community with a close connection to the land. While Hammond is sparsely populated today, it is emblematic of the rugged, independent spirit of Montana’s rural towns. It serves as a point of entry to the scenic Powder River Basin, an area known for its wide-open spaces and historic ranching operations.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hammond is part of the Carter County School District, with students traveling to Ekalaka for schooling. Nearby landmarks include the Powder River, which provides a scenic backdrop and is significant to local ranching activities. The community is also close to the Ekalaka Hills, part of the Custer National Forest, which offers hiking and nature viewing. Hammond’s residents typically gather for county-wide events in Ekalaka, such as the Days of ’85 celebration, reflecting the community’s agricultural heritage and reinforcing social ties in this rural region of southeastern Montana.
