Square Butte

Montana's ghost towns span gold-rush gulches and the great homestead bust that emptied the Hi-Line.

Square Butte is an unincorporated community and Census-designated place in Chouteau County, Montana, United States, named for the unique rock formation of the same name slightly southwest of the town. Square Butte is located along Montana Highway 80, 6.8 miles (10.9 km) south-southeast of Geraldine. As of the 2020 census, Square Butte had a population of 27. The Square Butte Jail, Square Butte School, and West Quincy Granite Quarry, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are located in Square Butte.

The on-the-ground condition of Square Butte is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Square Butte is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Square Butte is roughly 47.5142, -110.1992 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.