Toole County

Toole County is an administrative division in northern Montana situated along the Canadian border with expansive plains and agricultural lands. The Marias River flows through its southwestern portion forming a natural boundary, while Shelby serves as the county seat and regional hub.

The area became established as a separate administrative division in 1914, named after Joseph Toole, Montana's first governor. Its formation resulted from a division of Hill and Teton counties, reflecting regional growth at that time.

Agriculture and ranching form the backbone of daily life here, with farming families maintaining traditions that have shaped the landscape for generations. The rural character shows in how residents use the land and maintain their communities.

The area is accessible via Interstate 15 and U.S. Route 2, which converge in Shelby and link to Alberta and other Montana regions. These main highways connect the county to key destinations in all directions.

The area sits directly on the Canadian border and shares common geographical and cultural ties with Alberta. This proximity makes it a threshold between two distinct countries with different traditions.

GPS coordinates: 48.67683,-111.73137

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42