Cities and Towns in Liberty County, Montana
Founded in February 11, 1920, Liberty County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Liberty County was formed from Chouteau County and Hill County. The city of Chester is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Liberty County has a population of 1,946 and area of 1,430 square miles (3,704 km²).
List of all cities in Liberty County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Chester, MT | 59522 | 406 |
| Joplin, MT | 59531 | 406 |
| Lothair, MT | 59461 | 406 |
| Whitlash, MT | 59545 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Liberty County, Montana
Chester
Location and History
Chester, the county seat of Liberty County, is located in the northeastern part of Montana, along U.S. Highway 2. The town was founded in the early 1900s, largely due to the construction of the Great Northern Railway and the subsequent development of the local agricultural economy. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Assiniboine and Sioux, who were later displaced as settlers arrived in the late 1800s. The establishment of Chester coincided with the rise of dryland farming in the region, and the town grew rapidly as farmers took advantage of the fertile land. With the rise of wheat farming, Chester became a crucial trading and service center for the surrounding agricultural area. The town also has a strong heritage tied to railroad development, as it became a hub for rail transportation, making it accessible to other parts of the state. Today, Chester is a small but active community that celebrates its agricultural roots while providing services for surrounding ranchers and farmers.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 880
- Zip Codes: 59522
- Latitude: 48.5616° N
- Longitude: 110.9830° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chester is served by the Chester-Joplin-Inverness School District, which includes Chester High School, Chester Middle School, and Chester Elementary School. The district provides a well-rounded education, including opportunities in sports, arts, and extracurricular clubs. Major landmarks in Chester include the Liberty County Courthouse, a historical building that is central to the county’s government, and the Chester Community Park, which features picnic areas, sports facilities, and a baseball diamond. The Marias River, which flows just north of Chester, provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The town is also close to the Marias Valley, a region famous for its agricultural landscapes and wildlife, offering excellent birdwatching and outdoor activities. The Liberty County Museum showcases the history of the area, including its agricultural roots and railroad past. With a relatively quiet, rural atmosphere, Chester remains a hub for those involved in farming and ranching in Liberty County.
Joplin
Location and History
Joplin, located in the central portion of Liberty County, was founded in the late 19th century as a farming settlement. It is named after Joplin, Missouri, and developed as a community largely due to its central location along U.S. Highway 2, which provided access to major trade routes. The town quickly became a hub for agricultural activity, particularly wheat and barley farming. In the early 20th century, Joplin saw the construction of a grain elevator, further solidifying its role as an agricultural center. Over the years, the town remained relatively small but important for local farmers, serving as a place for trade and commerce. Joplin has a strong community spirit, with many local events focused on agriculture and rural life. Despite its small size, Joplin has seen slow but steady growth, and today, it remains an important part of Liberty County’s agricultural backbone, offering services to the farming community in the surrounding area.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 180
- Zip Codes: 59528
- Latitude: 48.4515° N
- Longitude: 110.7482° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Joplin is served by the Chester-Joplin-Inverness School District, which provides access to educational facilities for the town’s students, with Joplin Elementary School being the main local school. For high school students, the Chester High School serves the surrounding communities, offering various academic and extracurricular activities. Joplin itself is known for its agricultural heritage, and the Joplin Grain Elevator is one of the town’s most recognized landmarks. Additionally, Liberty County Fairgrounds is a short drive away and hosts annual fairs, rodeos, and agricultural exhibitions, celebrating the region’s farming community. Joplin also benefits from its proximity to the Marias River, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Although small, Joplin retains a close-knit community with local businesses that support the agricultural lifestyle. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the relaxed rural atmosphere, and the town remains a significant part of Liberty County’s rich agricultural tradition.
Inverness
Location and History
Inverness is a small rural town in the northern part of Liberty County, located along U.S. Highway 2, which connects it to the rest of Montana. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after the Inverness region in Scotland, reflecting the Scottish heritage of some early settlers. Inverness developed as a farming community, with an emphasis on wheat, barley, and livestock. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900s helped solidify its role as a transportation hub for the surrounding agricultural industry. Over the years, Inverness has remained a quiet, rural community that relies on farming and ranching for its economy. It has experienced slow but steady growth and is known for its scenic views of the Bear Paw Mountains and the surrounding Marias River Valley. While Inverness has faced the same challenges as many small rural towns, including fluctuating agricultural markets, it remains a vibrant part of the county, with strong community ties and a rural way of life.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.35 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 70
- Zip Codes: 59530
- Latitude: 48.6267° N
- Longitude: 110.7723° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Inverness is part of the Chester-Joplin-Inverness School District, and students attend Inverness Elementary School, which offers a range of educational programs for younger children. High school students attend Chester High School. The town is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the Bear Paw Mountains, which offer hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities. One of the key landmarks in Inverness is the Bear Paw Battlefield, located a short distance from the town. The site marks the location of the last battle between U.S. forces and Nez Perce Indians in 1877, and it is preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Inverness is also located near the Marias River, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Local agricultural businesses and ranches also contribute to the town’s landscape, showcasing the rural lifestyle and hardworking farming community that is integral to Inverness’s identity. While Inverness remains a small town, it plays a significant role in the region’s agricultural production and history.
