Carbon County

Carbon County is an administrative region in south-central Montana located between the Beartooth Mountains and the Pryor Mountains, with Red Lodge serving as its county seat. The area encompasses diverse terrain and scattered communities situated across mountain valleys and surrounding lowlands.

The county was established in 1895 from portions of neighboring counties and took its name from the substantial coal deposits found throughout the region. In the early 20th century, petroleum discoveries brought new industrial activity that shifted the area's economic direction.

The Smith Mine near Bearcreek stands as a memorial to a mining disaster, marking a pivotal moment when coal extraction ended in this region. The local communities here still carry stories and connections to the miners and their families who shaped the area's identity.

Red Lodge serves as the administrative hub where most local services and information are concentrated and easily accessible to visitors. For official matters such as permits or documents, county offices are available during regular business hours and can assist with inquiries.

Elk Basin hosted the first commercial oil well in the state, which began operating in 1915 and initiated petroleum production in Montana. This discovery marked a turning point that attracted new investment and workers to the region.

Location: Montana

Inception: 1895

Capital city: Red Lodge

Shares border with: Stillwater County, Yellowstone County, Park County, Big Horn County

Website: http://co.carbon.mt.us

GPS coordinates: 45.23000,-109.02000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08