Cities and Towns in Meagher County, Montana
Founded in November 16, 1867, Meagher County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Meagher County was formed from Chouteau County and Gallatin County. The city of White Sulphur Springs is the county seat. With FIPS code of 59, Meagher County has a population of 1,964 and area of 2,392 square miles (6,195 km²).
List of all cities in Meagher County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Lennep, MT | 59053 | 406 |
| Martinsdale, MT | 59053 | 406 |
| Ringling, MT | 59642 | 406 |
| White Sulphur Springs, MT | 59645 | 406 |
| Wht Sphr Springs, MT | 59645 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Meagher County, Montana
White Sulphur Springs
Location and History
White Sulphur Springs, the county seat of Meagher County, is located in the heart of Montana, roughly halfway between Helena and Great Falls. It sits near the confluence of Smith River and White Sulphur Springs Creek in the foothills of the Big Belt Mountains. The town was originally named for the natural hot springs that were discovered in the area, which have been known to local Native American tribes for centuries. The town developed during the late 1800s when the hot springs became a popular resort destination for tourists seeking medicinal baths. The springs were first used by Native American tribes and later by early settlers as a place for healing and relaxation. White Sulphur Springs officially became a town in the 1880s, and its economy initially thrived due to its role as a popular stop on the Northern Pacific Railroad, which carried tourists and freight. Over time, the town transitioned from a tourist-focused economy to a more diverse one, relying on agriculture, ranching, and later, tourism to national parks and outdoor recreation. Today, White Sulphur Springs maintains a small-town charm, with a focus on preserving its historical roots and promoting eco-tourism.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.75 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 929
- Zip Codes: 59645
- Latitude: 46.5375° N
- Longitude: 110.2294° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
White Sulphur Springs is served by the Meagher County School District, which includes White Sulphur Springs High School and White Sulphur Springs Elementary School. The district offers a small but tight-knit community atmosphere, with opportunities for sports, academics, and extracurricular activities. White Sulphur Springs is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Smith River State Park, a popular spot for float trips and fishing, is a local landmark, drawing visitors from around the region. The Big Belt Mountains offer hiking, hunting, and camping, while the nearby Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest provides additional access to outdoor activities. One of the town’s iconic landmarks is the White Sulphur Springs Hot Springs Resort, which remains a significant part of the town’s history and continues to attract tourists seeking relaxation and wellness. The Meagher County Historical Museum highlights the area’s mining, railroad, and Native American heritage, while the Old Pioneer Cemetery provides a glimpse into the early days of the town.
Martinsdale
Location and History
Martinsdale is a small town located about 15 miles east of White Sulphur Springs, nestled between the Little Belt Mountains and the Big Snowy Mountains. The town was originally established in the late 1800s as a service station for local ranchers and travelers. It became a hub for the nearby agricultural and livestock industries, which have been the backbone of the local economy for over a century. Martinsdale was named after one of its earliest settlers, Martin Nelson, who homesteaded in the area and played a key role in its development. As a small agricultural community, Martinsdale’s economy has traditionally relied on ranching, farming, and supporting the surrounding ranchlands. Though much of its early history revolves around agricultural industries, the town’s location along the historic Mullan Road and its proximity to the Belt Creek and Smith River give it significant historical importance in Montana’s expansion westward. Today, Martinsdale remains a quiet, rural town, known for its strong ties to agriculture and its scenic surroundings.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.19 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 207
- Zip Codes: 59053
- Latitude: 46.4691° N
- Longitude: 110.6405° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Martinsdale is part of the Martinsdale School District, which operates Martinsdale Elementary School and Martinsdale High School. The school serves a small student body and is an integral part of the tight-knit local community. While Martinsdale is a small, rural town, it is located near several important landmarks and areas of natural beauty. The Belt Creek runs nearby, offering fishing and recreational opportunities, while the Little Belt Mountains and Big Snowy Mountains provide access to hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The town’s agricultural roots are reflected in the surrounding ranchlands, and many local farms and ranches offer a traditional Montana experience. Although Martinsdale itself is quite small, it remains an important rural town with historical significance due to its early role in the settlement and development of central Montana. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the peaceful environment, the beauty of the surrounding mountains, and the connection to the past that the town offers. The Martinsdale Historic Church, a local landmark, remains an example of the town’s early settlers and their values.
Ringling
Location and History
Ringling is a very small unincorporated community in Meagher County, located about 20 miles east of White Sulphur Springs and named after the famous Ringling Brothers, the circus family. The town’s history is intertwined with the Ringling family, who established a ranching operation in the area. The Ringlings had ties to the famous Ringling Bros. Circus, and they used their wealth to help develop the region’s agriculture and cattle industry. The town itself was founded as a small ranching and farming settlement, and although it never grew into a major town, it played a role in the development of Meagher County’s agricultural economy. Ringling remains a quiet, rural location, with only a few homes and buildings still remaining. It has not seen much development since its founding, and today is mostly known for its historical significance and connection to the Ringling family. The town is also situated near a number of small ranches, working farms, and picturesque Montana landscapes. Ringling is representative of the many small towns across the state that were founded during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as farming and ranching settlements.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population (2020 Census): N/A
- Zip Codes: 59068
- Latitude: 46.3582° N
- Longitude: 110.3447° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a small and largely unincorporated community, Ringling does not have a public school district or major educational institutions within the town itself. The closest schools are located in White Sulphur Springs, which serves as the primary educational hub for the surrounding area. Ringling is notable for its connection to the Ringling Bros. Circus legacy, though there are few remaining landmarks specifically dedicated to the family. However, the surrounding ranches and farms continue to be the backbone of the local economy. The area is near Smith River, offering outdoor activities such as fishing, rafting, and camping. The nearby Little Belt Mountains provide additional opportunities for hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The Ringling Family Ranch remains an important part of the town’s heritage and history. Though small and unassuming today, Ringling stands as a historical marker of early ranching and its ties to the world-famous circus family.
