Cities and Towns in Valley County, Montana
Founded in February 6, 1893, Valley County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Valley County was formed from Dawson County. The city of Glasgow is the county seat. With FIPS code of 105, Valley County has a population of 7,537 and area of 4,921 square miles (12,745 km²).
List of all cities in Valley County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Fort Peck, MT | 59223 | 406 |
| Frazer, MT | 59225 | 406 |
| Glasgow, MT | 59230 | 406 |
| 59231 | 406 | |
| Glentana, MT | 59240 | 406 |
| Hinsdale, MT | 59241 | 406 |
| Larslan, MT | 59244 | 406 |
| Lustre, MT | 59225 | 406 |
| Nashua, MT | 59248 | 406 |
| Opheim, MT | 59250 | 406 |
| Richland, MT | 59260 | 406 |
| Saint Marie, MT | 59230 | 406 |
| 59231 | 406 | |
| Tampico, MT | 59230 | 406 |
| Vandalia, MT | 59273 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Valley County, Montana
Glasgow
Location and History
Glasgow, the county seat of Valley County, is located in northeastern Montana, near the confluence of the Milk and Missouri Rivers. The town was founded in 1890 as a railroad stop along the Great Northern Railway and was named after Glasgow, Scotland, to honor the heritage of the railway’s founder, James J. Hill. Early on, the town grew rapidly due to its strategic location as a transportation hub, and agriculture, particularly wheat farming, played a major role in its development. By the early 20th century, Glasgow had become a key service and trading center for the surrounding rural farming and ranching communities. With the construction of nearby dams and the development of irrigation projects, Glasgow continued to grow throughout the mid-1900s, eventually becoming the economic and cultural center of the northeastern Montana region. Despite experiencing economic fluctuations, Glasgow remains an important regional center, serving as the largest town in Valley County and a hub for agriculture, transportation, and local services.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.90 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 3,325
- Zip Codes: 59230
- Latitude: 48.1925° N
- Longitude: 106.6338° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Glasgow is home to several educational institutions, including the Glasgow School District, which operates Glasgow High School, Junior High, and multiple elementary schools. The town also hosts the University of Providence’s Glasgow campus, offering higher education opportunities in a range of fields. Glasgow is known for its rich history and several prominent landmarks, including the Valley County Courthouse, which stands as a symbol of the town’s civic development. The Glasgow Historical Museum provides insights into the region’s history, from Native American artifacts to the early settler period and the railroad days. The Glasgow Civic Center hosts a variety of cultural and community events, while the nearby Fort Peck Dam and Fort Peck Lake are major recreational and historical attractions. Fort Peck Dam, one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, located near the town, provides additional outdoor activities and is known for its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Nashua
Location and History
Nashua is a small town located on the banks of the Milk River in the western part of Valley County, approximately 40 miles west of Glasgow. It was founded in the early 1900s as a railroad town, serving as a stop along the Great Northern Railway. Nashua was primarily an agricultural community, with wheat and livestock farming playing key roles in the economy. The town grew rapidly during its early years, with a bustling downtown area that included a hotel, shops, and a post office. However, as the railroad’s influence waned in the mid-20th century, Nashua’s population began to decline. Despite this, Nashua remains an agricultural hub and a quiet rural community. The town is situated in a fertile farming region, and local agriculture continues to be central to the area’s economy. Today, Nashua serves as a reminder of the impact of the railroad on small towns in Montana and remains a rural enclave with strong ties to the past.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 357
- Zip Codes: 59248
- Latitude: 48.2128° N
- Longitude: 106.4786° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nashua is served by the Nashua School District, which includes Nashua High School and a K-8 school, providing a tight-knit community environment for the town’s youth. The district offers educational opportunities with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Nashua is home to a number of historical landmarks that reflect its early years, including the old Nashua Depot, which once served as a major stop on the Great Northern Railway and is now a part of the town’s local history. The Milk River runs near Nashua, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, with the river playing a key role in the early settlement of the town. The surrounding area remains an agricultural heartland, with much of the land used for farming and ranching. Nashua’s proximity to the Fort Peck Dam and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge also allows for easy access to outdoor recreation. While Nashua has seen a decrease in population, it remains a testament to the rural, agricultural way of life that has shaped much of Valley County’s history.
Opheim
Location and History
Opheim is a small, unincorporated community located in the far northern part of Valley County, about 30 miles northeast of Glasgow. The town was founded in the early 20th century, largely as a result of agricultural development in the region. Opheim is named after its founder, Oscar Opheim, a Norwegian immigrant who homesteaded in the area. The town was established as a grain farming community, and its location along the Milk River provided settlers with access to water resources, which were essential for farming in the dry northern plains. As with many small towns in Montana, Opheim grew during the early years of the 20th century but began to experience a population decline as transportation routes improved and larger farming operations took hold. Today, Opheim remains a rural farming community with a few local businesses, serving the agricultural needs of the surrounding area. Its peaceful, isolated setting makes it a haven for those seeking the quiet life of Montana’s prairie.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 44
- Zip Codes: 59250
- Latitude: 48.5570° N
- Longitude: 106.5682° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Opheim is served by the Opheim School District, which operates a small K-12 school that caters to the town’s youth. The school is the heart of the community and provides both academic and extracurricular opportunities for local students. Opheim does not have many major landmarks, but the surrounding landscape is marked by rolling hills and expansive wheat fields, which are a testament to the town’s agricultural heritage. The nearby Milk River provides scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and wildlife watching. The area is also known for its peaceful rural lifestyle, where families can enjoy the wide open spaces of Montana’s northern plains. Though it is one of the smallest communities in Valley County, Opheim’s sense of community and strong agricultural ties remain an integral part of the town’s identity.
Other Communities in Valley County
In addition to Glasgow, Nashua, and Opheim, Valley County is home to a number of smaller towns and rural communities, including Fort Peck, Bear Paw, and Hinsdale. These areas have smaller populations but still contribute to the region’s economy through agriculture, ranching, and natural resources. Fort Peck, located near the Fort Peck Dam, is a notable community in the county, known for its historical significance and as a recreational hub for visitors to Fort Peck Lake. Each of these towns retains its rural character, with a focus on agriculture and outdoor recreation, and they serve as essential parts of Valley County’s cultural and economic fabric. Many of these communities are close-knit and share a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and history.
