Cities and Towns in Rosebud County, Montana

Founded in February 11, 1901, Rosebud County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Rosebud County was formed from Custer County. The city of Forsyth is the county seat. With FIPS code of 87, Rosebud County has a population of 8,124 and area of 5,012 square miles (12,981 km²).

List of all cities in Rosebud County, MT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Angela, MT	59312	406
Ashland, MT	59003	406
	59004	406
Birney, MT	59012	406
Colstrip, MT	59323	406
Forsyth, MT	59327	406
Hathaway, MT	59333	406
Ingomar, MT	59039	406
Lame Deer, MT	59043	406
Rosebud, MT	59347	406
Saint Labre Mission, MT	59004	406
Sumatra, MT	59083	406

Major Cities and Towns in Rosebud County, Montana

Forsyth

Location and History

Forsyth, the county seat of Rosebud County, is located in the southeastern part of Montana along the Yellowstone River. The town was founded in 1890 and named after Colonel James Forsyth, a U.S. Army officer who was involved in the Indian Wars. Forsyth developed as a railroad town with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway, which helped to establish the area as a transportation hub for the surrounding agricultural region. In its early years, Forsyth was a center for the local cattle industry, and it became known as a trade and supply town for farmers and ranchers. As the town grew, it became a crucial stop for those traveling through southeastern Montana. The town’s proximity to the Yellowstone River also made it a key point for river transportation and trade. Today, Forsyth retains much of its historic charm, with several preserved buildings and a close-knit community atmosphere. Its location along major highways and the railroad line ensures that it remains an important point of commerce and trade for the surrounding agricultural region. Forsyth is known for its welcoming vibe, historic downtown, and strong community spirit.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.12 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 1,675
• Zip Codes: 59327
• Latitude: 46.2654° N
• Longitude: 106.6746° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Forsyth is served by the Forsyth School District, which includes Forsyth High School, Forsyth Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a range of educational programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The town’s landmarks include the Rosebud County Courthouse, an impressive historic building that symbolizes the community’s governance and judicial functions. The Forsyth Depot is another important landmark, reflecting the town’s railroad heritage. The Yellowstone River is a central feature of Forsyth, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and scenic views. The nearby Rosebud Battlefield State Park, a National Historic Landmark, is a significant historical site that commemorates the 1876 battle between the U.S. Army and Native American forces. This site is a key educational and cultural resource for the community, offering visitors insight into the region’s history. Forsyth also hosts several annual events, such as the Rosebud County Fair, which celebrates the agricultural heritage of the area and draws locals and visitors alike.

Colstrip

Location and History

Colstrip, located in the southeastern part of Rosebud County, is a company town that developed around the Colstrip Power Plant, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States. The town was established in the 1920s to house workers for the plant, which was originally built to provide power for local mining operations. Colstrip’s population grew rapidly after the power plant expanded in the 1970s, and it became one of Montana’s largest towns with a population tied to the energy industry. The town’s economy has historically relied heavily on coal mining, with many of Colstrip’s residents working at the power plant or in the nearby mines. In recent years, Colstrip has faced challenges as the demand for coal has declined, and the plant has begun to scale back operations. Despite these economic challenges, Colstrip remains a strong community with a rich industrial history. Its location in the rolling plains of southeastern Montana offers wide-open spaces and a quiet, rural setting. The town is actively working to diversify its economy and attract new industries and services to ensure long-term sustainability.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.14 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 2,334
• Zip Codes: 59323
• Latitude: 45.8842° N
• Longitude: 106.6501° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Colstrip is served by the Colstrip School District, which includes Colstrip High School, Colstrip Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is focused on providing high-quality education, with strong academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. Colstrip’s key landmarks include the Colstrip Power Plant itself, which has been a vital part of the town’s economy and development. Although the plant is no longer at the height of its operations, it remains a significant feature in the community. The nearby Rosebud Creek provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Colstrip is also home to a number of parks and recreation areas, including the Rosebud Reservoir, which is a popular spot for boating and water sports. Colstrip’s strong sense of community is reflected in its various events and activities, such as the annual 4th of July celebration and the Colstrip Rodeo. Despite the town’s challenges in recent years, its residents remain dedicated to preserving their way of life while adapting to the changing economic landscape.

Lame Deer

Location and History

Lame Deer is located in the central part of Rosebud County and serves as the headquarters of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The town has significant historical and cultural importance as it is the heart of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Lame Deer was named after a prominent Cheyenne leader, Lame Deer, who was known for his leadership during the Indian Wars. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with the struggle of Native American tribes to maintain their land and culture. The area has been inhabited by the Cheyenne people for centuries, and the town itself was established in the late 1800s after the tribe was relocated to the reservation. Lame Deer has faced challenges over the years, including poverty and the struggle for self-determination, but it remains a resilient community with a strong sense of identity. Today, Lame Deer is known for its rich Native American heritage, with cultural events, powwows, and other community gatherings celebrating the traditions of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The town is also home to various social and educational services that support the tribe’s members and their families.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.94 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 2,216
• Zip Codes: 59043
• Latitude: 45.6919° N
• Longitude: 106.6096° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lame Deer is served by the Lame Deer Public Schools District, which includes Lame Deer High School and several elementary schools. The school system places a strong emphasis on cultural education and community involvement, with programs that incorporate Native American traditions alongside standard academic curricula. Key landmarks in Lame Deer include the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Headquarters, which serves as the political center for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and the historic Lame Deer School. The town is also home to several cultural and religious landmarks, such as the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the St. Labre Indian School, which serves as an educational institution for Native American students. The Northern Cheyenne Powwow, held annually in Lame Deer, is one of the town’s largest events, drawing participants and visitors from across the region. The local area is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Tongue River, which provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. Lame Deer’s sense of community and its role as the cultural hub of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe make it a significant and unique town in Rosebud County.

Other Communities in Rosebud County

In addition to the three main towns, Rosebud County is home to a number of smaller communities and unincorporated areas, such as Rosebud and Birney, each contributing to the county’s agricultural and cultural landscape. These communities are rural and closely connected to the land, with many residents involved in farming, ranching, and energy production. The town of Rosebud, which lies along the Yellowstone River, is particularly known for its agriculture, while Birney, located near the Wyoming border, is a small rural settlement serving as a base for the nearby Cheyenne Reservation. Each of these towns, while smaller in population, plays an important role in the overall economy and culture of Rosebud County, contributing to the county’s diversity and history. With its vast open spaces, agricultural heritage, and strong cultural traditions, Rosebud County remains an important part of southeastern Montana’s character.