Cities and Towns in Deer Lodge County, Montana
Founded in February 2, 1865, Deer Lodge County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Deer Lodge County was one of the 9 original counties. The city of Anaconda is the county seat. With FIPS code of 23, Deer Lodge County has a population of 9,491 and area of 737 square miles (1,909 km²).
List of all cities in Deer Lodge County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Anaconda, MT | 59711 | 406 |
| Fairmont, MT | 59711 | 406 |
| Georgetown, MT | 59711 | 406 |
| Opportunity, MT | 59711 | 406 |
| Warm Springs, MT | 59756 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Deer Lodge County, Montana
Anaconda
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.39 sq mi
- Population: 9,000 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59711
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.1262° N, 112.9487° W
Location and History
Anaconda, the largest city in Deer Lodge County, is situated in southwestern Montana at the foot of the Pintler Mountains. The city was founded in the 1880s around the smelting industry, which became its economic backbone. The Anaconda Copper Mining Company (ACM) built a massive smelter in the area, making Anaconda one of the largest copper producers in the world by the early 20th century. The city grew rapidly, with immigrants from around the world coming to work in the copper industry. At its peak, Anaconda’s population surpassed 20,000, but the town’s economy collapsed after the smelter closed in the 1980s due to environmental concerns and the decline of copper prices. Despite this, Anaconda has successfully reinvented itself by focusing on tourism, recreation, and historic preservation. The city is now a gateway to outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and skiing, and boasts a rich history related to copper mining.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Anaconda is served by the Anaconda Public Schools District, which includes Anaconda High School and the Anaconda Middle School. Key landmarks include the historic Washoe Theater, a beautifully preserved 1930s art deco movie theater, and the Copper Village Museum, which showcases Anaconda’s mining heritage. The nearby Georgetown Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping, while the Pintler Wilderness Area offers expansive trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. The Old Works Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, features a stunning course that runs through a former smelter site, blending environmental reclamation with recreation. Anaconda’s historic downtown district also contains many well-preserved buildings, reflecting the city’s early 20th-century prosperity.
Deer Lodge
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.18 sq mi
- Population: 2,850 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59722
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.3795° N, 112.7241° W
Location and History
Deer Lodge, the county seat of Deer Lodge County, is located near the confluence of the Clark Fork and Deer Lodge Rivers in western Montana. The town was founded in the 1860s as a stop on the Northern Pacific Railway, and it grew as a center for trade and agriculture. Deer Lodge was named after the “deer lodges” or cool caves in the nearby mountains that were used by indigenous peoples and early settlers. The town is steeped in history, having been the site of several significant events, including the famous 1883 shootout involving the notorious outlaw Frank and Jesse James. By the 20th century, Deer Lodge became known for its correctional institutions, including the Montana State Prison, which housed prisoners from across the state. Although the prison closed in 1979, the town continues to embrace its history, with many local museums and historic sites dedicated to its colorful past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Deer Lodge is served by the Deer Lodge Public Schools District, which includes Powell County High School and the Deer Lodge Middle School. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Montana State Prison, which now houses a museum chronicling the state’s prison history. Other key attractions include the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, which preserves a 19th-century cattle ranch that played a significant role in the history of the American West. The Powell County Museum showcases local history, with exhibits on Native American culture, the railway, and the early settlers of the region. The town also enjoys proximity to the Deer Lodge River and the nearby Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area, offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Ramsay
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.1 sq mi
- Population: 220 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59748
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.1503° N, 112.7173° W
Location and History
Ramsay is a small community located about 10 miles south of Anaconda, nestled along the foothills of the Pintler Mountains. It was originally established as a mining and railroad town in the late 1800s. Ramsay’s location along the mainline of the Northern Pacific Railway made it an important transport hub for mining products and supplies in the region. The town’s population peaked during the mining boom but declined sharply after the closure of nearby mines in the early 1900s. Today, Ramsay remains a quiet, rural community with a strong sense of history tied to the local mining and railroad industries. It is surrounded by scenic wilderness and offers a peaceful lifestyle amidst Montana’s beautiful landscapes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ramsay is part of the Anaconda Public Schools District, with students attending schools in Anaconda. Although Ramsay itself does not have major commercial landmarks, its surrounding natural beauty provides ample outdoor recreational opportunities. Nearby attractions include the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area, which offers hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The town’s rich mining history is reflected in remnants of old railroad tracks and mining structures scattered around the area, offering a glimpse into the past for history enthusiasts. Ramsay is also a short drive from Anaconda, where residents can enjoy additional amenities and historical landmarks.
