Cities and Towns in Treasure County, Montana

Founded in February 7, 1919, Treasure County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Treasure County was formed from Rosebud County. The city of Hysham is the county seat. With FIPS code of 103, Treasure County has a population of 768 and area of 979 square miles (2,536 km²).

List of all cities in Treasure County, MT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bighorn, MT	59010	406
Hysham, MT	59038	406
	59076	406
Sanders, MT	59038	406
	59076	406

Major Cities and Towns in Treasure County, Montana

Hysham

Location and History

Hysham is the county seat of Treasure County, located in the southeastern part of Montana, along the Yellowstone River. The town was established in the early 1900s and was named after its founder, W.A. Hysham, a railroad executive who played a key role in its development. The town grew rapidly when the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad passed through the area, making it an important stop for transportation and trade. As with many small towns in Montana, Hysham’s economy has traditionally been centered around agriculture, with wheat, barley, and livestock being the primary industries. Over the years, the town has experienced modest growth, but it remains a small, rural community with a strong agricultural base. Today, Hysham serves as the regional hub for surrounding ranching and farming operations and provides vital services to the local community. It is also known for its proximity to the beautiful countryside and the Yellowstone River, which draws visitors looking for outdoor recreation and scenic views.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.45 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 295
• Zip Codes: 59038
• Latitude: 46.3410° N
• Longitude: 107.5573° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hysham is served by the Hysham School District, which includes Hysham High School and an elementary school. The school district is known for providing a strong academic foundation while offering extracurricular activities such as sports and music programs. One of Hysham’s notable landmarks is the Treasure County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the seat of local government and is an iconic piece of the town’s history. The nearby Yellowstone River offers residents and visitors ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The river and the surrounding landscape also provide beautiful scenic views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the rugged terrain of southeastern Montana. Another significant landmark is the Hysham Post Office, a historic building that reflects the town’s early days. The town’s agricultural roots are showcased in the local community events, including rodeos and county fairs, which celebrate Hysham’s rural lifestyle and heritage.

Pompeys Pillar

Location and History

Pompeys Pillar is a notable historical site located near the Yellowstone River, about 25 miles west of Billings, in Treasure County. It is famous for its unique geological formation, a sandstone outcrop that rises nearly 150 feet above the surrounding plains. The site has historical significance due to its association with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. William Clark, a member of the expedition, carved his name into the rock on July 25, 1806, marking one of the few surviving inscriptions from the journey. The name “Pompeys Pillar” was given by Clark, who thought the rock resembled the ancient columns of Pompeii. Over time, the site became a popular landmark for travelers and has since been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Pompeys Pillar is a critical archaeological and historical site, representing a link between the Native American tribes of the region and the early American explorers. It continues to be an area of interest for historians, archaeologists, and tourists, offering a unique glimpse into the exploration of the American West.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.04 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 0 (unincorporated)
• Zip Codes: 59064
• Latitude: 45.8403° N
• Longitude: 108.4903° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

As an unincorporated community, Pompeys Pillar does not have its own schools or dedicated school district. Residents typically attend schools in nearby towns such as Billings. However, the site itself is the town’s most famous landmark, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Pompeys Pillar National Monument features interpretive trails that provide visitors with information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as the Native American history of the region. The rock itself, with Clark’s inscription, remains one of the most famous points of interest in Montana. The monument also includes a visitor center that showcases exhibits about the history of the area and the geological significance of the pillar. The surrounding Yellowstone River offers recreational opportunities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The site is also part of a larger preservation area, allowing visitors to explore the natural landscape that has remained relatively unchanged since the time of Lewis and Clark’s journey through the region.

Other Communities in Treasure County

Treasure County, while home to several historical sites and small towns, is largely rural, with most of its population spread across farming and ranching communities. Other areas in the county include the small community of Custer, which is located along the Yellowstone River. Although these towns are not as well-known or populous as Hysham, they still serve as important parts of the region’s agricultural network. The communities in Treasure County are characterized by their close-knit nature and are often a blend of historic sites and rural farmland. The county remains largely agricultural, and the local economy continues to be rooted in the farming, ranching, and energy industries. Outdoor recreation is also important in the area, with access to the Yellowstone River and nearby public lands providing opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Despite their small size, these towns continue to play an integral role in the broader economic and cultural landscape of southeastern Montana.