Cities and Towns in Montague County, Texas
Founded in 1857, Montague County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Montague County was formed from Cooke County. The city of Montague is the county seat. With FIPS code of 337, Montague County has a population of 20,409 and area of 931 square miles (2,411 km²).
List of all cities in Montague County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bowie, TX | 76230 | 940 |
| Forestburg, TX | 76239 | 940 |
| Fruitland, TX | 76230 | 940 |
| Montague, TX | 76251 | 940 |
| Newport, TX | 76230 | 940 |
| Nocona, TX | 76255 | 940 |
| Postoak, TX | 76230 | 940 |
| Ringgold, TX | 76261 | 940 |
| Saint Jo, TX | 76265 | 940 |
| Stoneburg, TX | 76230 | 940 |
| Sunset, TX | 76270 | 940 |
Major Cities and Towns in Montague County, Texas
Montague County, located in North Texas, is a rural region with a rich history and a diverse mix of small communities. The county has long been known for its agricultural and ranching heritage, and several of its towns have grown into vibrant centers of local commerce and culture. Below are details about the major cities and towns within Montague County.
Bowie
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 7.0 square miles
- Population: 5,400 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 76230
- Latitude: 33.5302° N
- Longitude: 97.8410° W
City Location and History
Bowie is located in the southeastern part of Montague County, approximately 25 miles northwest of Fort Worth. The town was founded in the mid-1800s and named after James Bowie, a famous figure in the Texas Revolution. Bowie grew quickly in the late 19th century, largely due to its position along the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway, which facilitated trade and transportation.
Bowie’s economy was initially based on agriculture, including cotton and cattle, but it grew significantly during the early 1900s due to the railroad and its proximity to the oil-rich regions of North Texas. The town became known for its strong agricultural presence and has maintained that reputation. In the latter half of the 20th century, Bowie saw a steady growth in population as it became a regional center for retail, healthcare, and education, serving both the surrounding rural areas and the expanding suburban development of the North Texas region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bowie is served by the Bowie Independent School District, which includes Bowie High School, Bowie Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district has a strong academic program and offers various extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and arts programs, fostering community involvement.
Bowie’s landmarks include the historic Montague County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Bowie City Park, which offers picnic areas, walking trails, and sports facilities. The town is also home to the famous Bowie Memorial Park, dedicated to the local veterans and military personnel. Another landmark is the Texas Trail Museum, which showcases the area’s history, including the role of local ranching and oil industries. Local events such as the Bowie Trade Days and the annual Christmas Parade highlight the town’s community spirit and cultural heritage.
Nocona
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.5 square miles
- Population: 3,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76255
- Latitude: 33.9464° N
- Longitude: 97.6835° W
City Location and History
Nocona is located in the northern part of Montague County, near the Texas-Oklahoma border. The town was founded in the late 1800s and was originally called “Mack” after its founder, but was later renamed Nocona, possibly after a Native American chief. Like many other towns in Texas, Nocona grew rapidly with the advent of the railroad in the late 1800s, serving as a vital center for shipping cattle, cotton, and other goods.
In the early 1900s, Nocona became known for its leather industry, particularly the Nocona Boot Company, which remains a symbol of the town’s heritage. The boot company, founded in the 1920s, helped put Nocona on the map as a major hub for quality western wear and leather goods. Throughout the 20th century, Nocona maintained its rural charm but also developed into a center for tourism and recreation due to its proximity to the Red River and the scenic Texas countryside.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nocona is served by the Nocona Independent School District, which includes Nocona High School, Nocona Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district provides a range of academic programs, including vocational training, arts, and sports activities, with strong community support for local education.
Key landmarks in Nocona include the Nocona Boot Factory and the Nocona Museum, which celebrates the town’s legacy in the leather and boot-making industry. Another significant site is the Nocona City Park, which features recreational facilities, including sports courts and picnic areas, making it a popular spot for families and visitors. The town also hosts the Nocona Rodeo, a community event that draws people from all over the region to celebrate local traditions. Additionally, the Nocona Lake and surrounding areas are known for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking, attracting nature lovers and tourists to the area.
Saint Jo
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76265
- Latitude: 33.6894° N
- Longitude: 97.6243° W
City Location and History
Saint Jo is located in the western part of Montague County, near the Red River and about 25 miles south of Gainesville, Texas. The town was founded in the mid-1800s and was initially a small settlement focused on agriculture. The town’s history is tied to the cattle ranching industry, and it grew rapidly after the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. Saint Jo served as an important stop for cattle drives and as a shipping point for goods such as cotton and grain.
Saint Jo’s economy was heavily influenced by agriculture throughout the early 20th century, but like many rural towns, it experienced population decline as residents moved to larger cities in search of jobs during the mid-century. Despite this, Saint Jo has preserved its rural character and is known today for its peaceful, small-town atmosphere and its proximity to scenic areas like the Red River.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Saint Jo is served by the Saint Jo Independent School District, which includes Saint Jo High School, Saint Jo Junior High, and an elementary school. The district is known for offering a well-rounded education and fostering community involvement through extracurricular programs such as sports, music, and clubs.
Notable landmarks in Saint Jo include the historic Saint Jo Depot, which is a testament to the town’s railroad past and has been preserved as part of the town’s heritage. Another landmark is the Saint Jo City Park, which features outdoor spaces for recreation, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. The nearby Lake Nocona offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, drawing visitors to the area. Additionally, the town hosts various cultural events, including the annual Saint Jo Rodeo, which showcases local traditions and agricultural heritage.
Ringgold
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 500 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76261
- Latitude: 33.4814° N
- Longitude: 97.7875° W
City Location and History
Ringgold is a small town located in the northeastern part of Montague County, near the Oklahoma border. The town’s history dates back to the early 1800s when it was established as a trading post and small settlement. Ringgold grew slowly in the 19th century, largely due to its position as a trading hub and its proximity to major cattle-driving routes. It was named after a local Confederate officer, Major Samuel Ringgold, and has been a quiet community for most of its history.
Over the years, Ringgold remained a rural farming community, with its population remaining relatively stable. The town did not see the same industrial growth as other areas in Montague County, but it has maintained its rural charm and serves as a hub for local farming and ranching families. Today, Ringgold remains a small but welcoming community that continues to preserve its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ringgold is served by the Ringgold Independent School District, which provides education to the children of local families. The district is small but offers personalized attention to students, with a strong emphasis on community involvement.
Key landmarks in Ringgold include the historic Ringgold Cemetery, which is one of the town’s oldest sites and offers a glimpse into the region’s early history. The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Nocona Lake, which offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. Ringgold’s rural setting also makes it a great place for hunting and fishing, with numerous opportunities to enjoy the wide-open spaces of Montague County. Local events, though smaller in scale, focus on agricultural traditions and bring the community together for celebrations of local culture.