Cities and Towns in Granite County, Montana
Founded in March 2, 1893, Granite County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Granite County was formed from Deer Lodge County and Missoula County. The city of Philipsburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 39, Granite County has a population of 3,344 and area of 1,728 square miles (4,475 km²).
List of all cities in Granite County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Drummond, MT | 59832 | 406 |
| Hall, MT | 59837 | 406 |
| Philipsburg, MT | 59858 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Granite County, Montana
Philipsburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.68 sq mi
- Population: 800 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59858
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.3319° N, 113.2872° W
Location and History
Philipsburg, the county seat of Granite County, is located in southwestern Montana, nestled in the Flint Creek Valley between the Sapphire Mountains and the Flint Creek Range. The town was founded in the late 19th century, during a silver boom in the area. It was named after the Philips brothers, who were early developers and investors in the region’s mining industry. Philipsburg’s early growth was directly tied to the success of the silver mines, which attracted prospectors, miners, and businesspeople to the area. In the late 1800s, Philipsburg was a bustling mining town with a population that grew to several thousand. However, when the silver market collapsed in the early 1900s, the town’s economy suffered. Despite the decline in mining, Philipsburg remained a local hub for agriculture, particularly cattle and sheep ranching, and a center for tourism. Today, Philipsburg is known for its well-preserved historic district, which attracts visitors seeking a glimpse of the Old West. The town has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, with visitors flocking to its charming streets, antique shops, and historic buildings, as well as for recreational opportunities in the surrounding mountains and forests.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Philipsburg is served by the Philipsburg School District, which includes Philipsburg High School, a middle school, and an elementary school. The town has a public library and several local businesses, including restaurants, gift shops, and cafes, many of which are housed in historic buildings. Notable landmarks in Philipsburg include the Granite County Museum, which provides visitors with insights into the town’s mining history, as well as its agricultural and cultural heritage. The Sapphire Gallery is another popular spot, showcasing local art, jewelry, and crafts. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the nearby Flint Creek Range and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, which offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Philipsburg is also known for its historical mining tours and the nearby Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, where visitors can try their hand at sapphire mining. In winter, the nearby Discovery Ski Area draws skiers and snowboarders, making Philipsburg a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
Drummond
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.54 sq mi
- Population: 400 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59832
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.5442° N, 113.2483° W
Location and History
Drummond is a small town located in the western part of Granite County, situated along the Clark Fork River. The town was founded in the late 19th century, with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s. Drummond was named after a local railroad executive, and it quickly grew as a transportation and agricultural hub for the surrounding area. Like many towns in Montana, Drummond was initially centered around mining, but the focus shifted over the years to ranching and agriculture, with the fertile land around the Clark Fork River supporting wheat, barley, and livestock farming. Although Drummond has remained a small town, its proximity to both Missoula and Philipsburg has allowed it to maintain a connection to regional trade, commerce, and tourism. Drummond retains much of its historic charm, and the surrounding area is known for its scenic beauty, including the nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Flint Creek Mountains. The town’s economy today is still driven by agriculture, but tourism has become increasingly important due to the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Drummond is served by the Drummond School District, which includes Drummond High School, a middle school, and elementary schools. The town has a small local library and several local businesses, including a general store, cafes, and a few shops. A key landmark in Drummond is the Drummond Depot, a historic railroad station that serves as a reminder of the town’s railroad heritage. The surrounding area is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to the nearby Clark Fork River for fishing and kayaking, as well as opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing in the surrounding mountains. The nearby Flint Creek Range offers numerous hiking trails, including access to the larger Bob Marshall Wilderness. Drummond is also home to several historic buildings that reflect the town’s early settlement and railroad history. The area is known for its charming, small-town atmosphere, and it continues to attract visitors seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to outdoor adventures.
Alberton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.53 sq mi
- Population: 500 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59820
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.9261° N, 113.1208° W
Location and History
Alberton is a small town located in the western part of Granite County, nestled along the banks of the Clark Fork River. It was established in the late 1800s as a railroad settlement, serving as a stop for the Northern Pacific Railway, which helped facilitate the growth of towns in the region. Originally, Alberton’s economy was tied to timber, agriculture, and mining, as was typical in many rural Montana communities. The town was named after Albert, a local railroad official, and it became an important shipping point for goods in the region. The introduction of the railroad helped establish Alberton as a commercial center in the early 20th century, though the town remained small. Over the years, Alberton’s economy diversified, with the timber industry playing a major role until the decline of logging in the region. Today, Alberton serves as a quiet community with a strong agricultural base, and its location along the Clark Fork River makes it a scenic destination for visitors seeking outdoor recreation. It is also positioned near the Lolo National Forest, which offers additional opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alberton is served by the Alberton School District, which includes Alberton High School, middle school, and elementary school. The town has a public library and a number of small businesses that provide services to the local community. Key landmarks in Alberton include the historic Alberton Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s railroad heritage. The Clark Fork River is one of the town’s main natural attractions, offering great fishing, boating, and wildlife observation opportunities. The nearby Lolo National Forest provides ample outdoor recreation, with hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic vistas that attract nature lovers. Alberton is also known for its proximity to the famous Route 12, which traverses the picturesque Rocky Mountains. The town hosts the annual Alberton Rodeo, a popular event that celebrates the town’s western heritage. Its location at the confluence of several rivers and streams makes it a prime spot for fly fishing, and the surrounding forest areas draw hunters and hikers to the area throughout the year.
Granite
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.41 sq mi
- Population: 30 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59840
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.3541° N, 113.2631° W
Location and History
Granite is an extremely small town located in the southwestern corner of Granite County, Montana. The town was established during the late 1800s during a mining boom in the region. Granite was originally a major silver mining town, with several mines operating in the area. At its peak, the town had a population of over 2,000 people, along with numerous businesses, saloons, and hotels. However, when the silver market collapsed in the early 20th century, the town’s fortunes dwindled. Many of the buildings in Granite were abandoned, and the population sharply declined. Today, Granite is a ghost town, with only a handful of residents remaining. Despite this, Granite retains a significant place in Montana’s mining history, and its ghost town remnants attract tourists and history enthusiasts. The town is located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, offering a glimpse into the past while providing access to outdoor recreation in the nearby areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Granite does not have its own schools, and students attend schools in nearby Philipsburg or Drummond. The town’s primary landmark is the Granite Mountain Memorial, a tribute to the 168 miners who perished in the 1917 Granite Mountain-Speculator Mine disaster, one of the deadliest mining accidents in U.S. history. The memorial overlooks the town and serves as a poignant reminder of the town’s mining heritage. The surrounding area, including the nearby Deer Lodge National Forest, offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Granite’s location near the Flint Creek Mountains also provides visitors with scenic vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. The remnants of the old mining structures, including crumbling buildings and mine shafts, continue to attract visitors, adding to the area’s historical significance. Despite being largely abandoned, Granite remains an important part of Montana’s mining history and offers a quiet, reflective experience for those who visit.