From 1870 to 1900, Malta was the center of a cattle empire that extended from Glasgow to Havre in central Montana, and from the Missouri Breaks of the Charles M. Russell Reserve to the Canadian border. The Bear Paw Pool and the owners of four famous brands -- Phillips, Coburn, Matador, Phelps -- controlled the range. The empire is gone but ranchers remain prominent in the life of the area.
Malta was named after the Mediterranean island of Malta by an official of the Great Northern Railroad who by the spin of a globe determined the name. A post office was opened in 1890 and when Phillips County was created Malta was named the county seat.
Camping, food and lodging facilities are available.
Phillips County Museum a sid blair photo
a
sid blair sketch
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