Cities and Towns in Wibaux County, Montana
Founded in August 17, 1914, Wibaux County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Wibaux County was formed from Dawson County, Fallon County, and Richland County. The city of Wibaux is the county seat. With FIPS code of 109, Wibaux County has a population of 934 and area of 889 square miles (2,302 km²).
List of all cities in Wibaux County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Wibaux, MT | 59353 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wibaux County, Montana
Wibaux
Location and History
Wibaux is the county seat of Wibaux County and is located in the far southeastern corner of Montana, near the North Dakota border. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was named after Pierre Wibaux, a wealthy French immigrant and cattle rancher who was instrumental in the development of the area. Originally part of the Wibaux family’s vast cattle empire, the town grew up around the railroad when it was established as a stop along the Northern Pacific Railway in the 1890s. Wibaux’s economy initially relied heavily on cattle ranching, and it became a center for local trade and commerce. Over the years, the town has experienced steady growth, though it has always maintained a small-town, rural character. It also serves as a gateway to the prairies and the surrounding badlands, making it a key point for travelers passing through the region. The town is known for its rich ranching history and proximity to the scenic areas of Montana, which attract visitors looking for a taste of the Old West.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.41 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 547
- Zip Codes: 59353
- Latitude: 46.2652° N
- Longitude: 104.2371° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wibaux is served by the Wibaux Public School District, which includes Wibaux High School, a small but vital educational institution that provides a strong community focus. The district emphasizes academic excellence while also offering a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics and music programs. As for landmarks, Wibaux is home to the Wibaux County Courthouse, which stands as an example of the town’s early 20th-century architecture. The town also features the Wibaux Museum, located in a historic building that preserves the rich history of ranching, the railroad, and the early settlement of the area. The nearby Badlands provide a dramatic backdrop to the town and attract visitors interested in hiking, photography, and exploring the rugged terrain. One of the town’s notable features is the historical Wibaux’s First Bank, now a museum, which tells the story of the town’s early days. With its strong historical ties to cattle ranching and the railroad, Wibaux remains a quiet, close-knit community with a unique blend of old and new that showcases the spirit of the American West.
Saco
Location and History
Saco is a small town located in the northwestern corner of Wibaux County, near the confluence of the Milk and Missouri Rivers. The town was founded in the early 20th century, largely due to the expansion of agriculture and the railroad through the region. Saco was initially established as a stop along the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, and the town grew around this transportation hub. Its name is believed to be derived from the Saco River in Maine, though some sources suggest it may have been named after a French term referring to a type of bag or pouch, in reference to the shape of the nearby river. The town’s economy has traditionally centered around farming, with wheat, barley, and other crops being grown in the fertile lands surrounding Saco. Over time, it has remained a quiet farming community that serves as a hub for local agricultural trade. Today, Saco continues to maintain a rural character, with a small but tight-knit population. Though it is a quiet, rural town, it offers a picturesque view of the surrounding farmland and the river.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.49 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 109
- Zip Codes: 59261
- Latitude: 47.7957° N
- Longitude: 104.2902° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Saco is served by the Saco School District, which provides educational services for the town’s students through a small K-12 school. The district is dedicated to offering a well-rounded education, focusing on both academics and extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Saco include the historic Saco Depot, which was once a bustling railroad station that helped the town thrive during its early years. The depot now serves as a community gathering place and a reminder of the town’s history as a railroad stop. The Saco Post Office, established in the early 1900s, is another historical building that highlights the town’s development during the frontier era. For outdoor enthusiasts, Saco is close to the Milk River, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the scenic riverbanks. The town’s surrounding agricultural landscape offers a quiet, rural atmosphere, and the local farms remain a significant part of the region’s economy. Saco’s small-town charm, combined with its agricultural heritage, makes it a peaceful and historically rich community.
Sand Springs
Location and History
Sand Springs is a small unincorporated community located in the southwestern corner of Wibaux County, near the Montana-Wyoming border. The town’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was established as a water stop along the railroad. The community’s name comes from a natural spring in the area that once provided water for travelers and livestock. Sand Springs grew around this spring and became an important point for settlers heading west. Like many other small towns in Montana, it was once a bustling center of trade and agriculture, serving ranchers and farmers in the surrounding region. Over time, as transportation and infrastructure improved, the town experienced a decline in population, and many residents moved to larger towns for employment opportunities. Despite this, Sand Springs remains a historical site, with many ranching families still living in the area. The town retains its rural character and is an example of the small frontier settlements that dotted the American West.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 30
- Zip Codes: 59346
- Latitude: 45.3087° N
- Longitude: 104.5202° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Sand Springs does not have its own school district. Children from Sand Springs typically attend schools in nearby communities such as Wibaux or other regional districts. However, the community remains tight-knit, with residents supporting one another and maintaining the area’s rural lifestyle. A major landmark in Sand Springs is the historic Sand Springs Spring, which once provided water to the town’s early settlers and remains a symbol of the town’s agricultural past. The nearby Sand Springs Ranch is another point of historical interest, reflecting the town’s ranching heritage. The area is also known for its scenic beauty, with the surrounding rolling hills and prairies offering excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. Despite its small size, Sand Springs remains a testament to the pioneering spirit of the American West, offering a glimpse into the region’s history and the lives of those who lived there.
Other Communities in Wibaux County
In addition to Wibaux, Saco, and Sand Springs, Wibaux County is home to a number of smaller rural communities, many of which were once thriving agricultural or railroad hubs but have since declined in population. These include areas like Custer, Rainy Butte, and Dawson, which are scattered throughout the county. While these towns are not incorporated or as prominent as the larger towns in the area, they still hold historical significance and remain important to the county’s overall identity. Many of these communities were built on agricultural production, and they continue to support local farmers and ranchers, even as their populations have dwindled.
