MAY 2026 Ghost Towns and History of Montana Newsletter From The Poplar Standard , Mar. 29, 1934 Ekalaka– A Beautiful Outpost in far Eastern Montana A historical sign on the edge of town states Ekalaka was established in 1885 by a bison hunter who set out to erect an “edifice for the eradication of ennui.” His wagon became stuck in the snow, and that’s the point where he started the underpinnings of a community. His explanation was “Hell, any place in Montana is a good place for a saloon.” He unloaded the lumber he had in the wagon and commenced construction on the spot. However, the town wasn’t named after this initial resident but rather for the wife of one of the first white settlers in the area, a Sioux woman named Ijkalaka. Although a saloonkeeper founded Ekalaka, the country grew on cattle. The first herds came through from Texas and Wyoming in the 1870's, and by the 1880's big ranch outfits were in place. The rich grasses of the area supported huge bison herds and later were prized for cattle grazing. Sheep were also a mainstay of the early-day economy. At one time Carter County led Montana in sheep production. If Miles City is the capital of southeast Montana’s cowboy country, then Ekalaka is next in line. This Carter County seat of 450 people is the gathering Photo by Rick and Susie Graetz A view of the Long Pines area southeast of Ekalaka. Accessed via: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
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