Carter County, Montana
Carter County sits in the far southeastern corner of Montana, bordering South Dakota and Wyoming. It’s a land of vast open fields where the horizon seems to stretch forever.
Ekalaka, the county seat, is about as off the beaten path as you can get. This is cowboy country, pure and simple. Ranches spread across the rolling prairie, with some covering more land than small countries.
The local dinosaur museum showcases fossils discovered in the area. Carter County isn’t for everyone, but those who call it home love its rugged beauty and independent spirit. It’s the kind of place where your nearest neighbor might be miles away, and most folks are perfectly happy with that.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Carter County |
| County Seat | Ekalaka |
| Etymology | Named after Thomas H. Carter, a U.S. Senator from Montana |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Ekalaka, Alzada, Hammond, Albion |
| Interstates and Highways | MT 7, MT 323 |
| FIPS Code | 30-011 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 3,348 square miles (Land: 3,341 sq mi, Water: 7 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Powder River County (West), Custer County (Northwest), Fallon County (North), Harding County, South Dakota (East), Butte County, South Dakota (Southeast), Crook County, Wyoming (South) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Montana |
| Coordinates | 45.5114° N, 104.5396° W |
| Major Landmarks | Medicine Rocks State Park, Carter County Museum, Custer National Forest |
| Population | Approximately 1,300 |
