Cities and Towns in Prairie County, Montana

Founded in February 5, 1915, Prairie County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Prairie County was formed from Dawson County and Fallon County. The city of Terry is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, Prairie County has a population of 1,091 and area of 1,737 square miles (4,499 km²).

List of all cities in Prairie County, MT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Fallon, MT	59326	406
	59341	406
Mildred, MT	59341	406
Terry, MT	59349	406

Major Cities and Towns in Prairie County, Montana

Terry

Location and History

Terry, the county seat of Prairie County, is located in the southeastern part of Montana, near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. Established in 1883, the town grew around a railroad depot along the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, which played a significant role in its early development. Initially a hub for the agricultural and ranching industries, Terry’s economy was bolstered by its location along the railroad, which connected it to larger markets for grain, livestock, and other goods. The town was officially incorporated in 1911 and has maintained its small-town character throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The presence of nearby natural resources, including rich soil for farming and access to water, contributed to Terry’s continued growth. As the county seat, it serves as the administrative and commercial center for Prairie County. Today, Terry is a small, rural town known for its agriculture, local businesses, and quiet lifestyle, offering a slower pace of life while still maintaining essential services for its residents.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.01 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 594
• Zip Codes: 59349
• Latitude: 46.3840° N
• Longitude: 105.2814° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Terry is served by the Terry School District, which includes Terry High School, Terry Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district provides educational opportunities for local children and offers extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and other programs. Terry’s landmarks include the Prairie County Courthouse, which stands as a historic building at the heart of the town. The nearby Yellowstone River provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. A notable site near Terry is the Terry Badlands, a unique geological formation featuring eroded buttes and rock formations, popular for hiking and exploring. Terry also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Prairie County Fair, which features agricultural exhibits, local vendors, and entertainment. Local parks, such as the Terry City Park, offer spaces for recreation and relaxation. Terry, with its historic buildings and agricultural roots, remains a vital rural community in southeastern Montana, balancing modern life with its heritage as a railroad town.

Fallon

Location and History

Fallon, a small town in Prairie County, is located along U.S. Highway 12, northeast of Terry. Established as a railroad community, Fallon was originally a stopping point along the railroad for travelers and freight shipments. The town’s history is tied closely to the expansion of the railroads across Montana in the late 19th century. Agriculture has been the primary economic driver in Fallon, with wheat, barley, and cattle farming contributing to the local economy. Fallon was formally founded in the early 1900s and developed as a small rural center for farming families. Though it has always remained a small town, Fallon’s location along major transportation routes allowed it to become a minor hub for local trade. Today, Fallon retains its rural charm and is home to a population that is involved in agriculture, ranching, and small businesses. Despite its modest size, Fallon has become known as a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other well, and agricultural heritage remains central to life in the area.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.28 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 133
• Zip Codes: 59326
• Latitude: 46.4736° N
• Longitude: 105.1313° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fallon is served by the Fallon School District, which offers a K-12 education to local students. The district provides academic programs along with athletics and extracurricular activities, serving the small, rural population in the area. The town is home to a few key landmarks, including the Fallon Post Office, which serves as one of the focal points of the town. Fallon’s location near the Tongue River also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors and locals often enjoy exploring the scenic views along the river or taking in the wide-open spaces that surround the area. Fallon is a peaceful town with a strong sense of community and family-oriented events, such as the annual Fallon Community Days, where local families come together for a celebration of the town’s agricultural history and rural lifestyle. Though it remains a small town, Fallon is a vital part of Prairie County’s agricultural economy and maintains its historic character while offering a peaceful rural lifestyle.

Other Communities in Prairie County

In addition to Terry and Fallon, Prairie County also includes several smaller unincorporated communities and rural areas that contribute to the county’s agricultural character. These communities include places like Plevna and Belfry, each with a rich history tied to farming, ranching, and the early days of settlement in the region. Plevna, located near the county’s western border, was founded as a railroad town and continues to be a center for agriculture. Belfry, though located closer to neighboring Big Horn County, shares similar agricultural traditions. These smaller communities, while not as populous as Terry, remain integral to Prairie County’s economy and culture, offering rural lifestyles and strong ties to the land. Through agriculture, local businesses, and historical landmarks, these towns help shape the identity of Prairie County as a quiet, agriculturally focused region in southeastern Montana.