1980 Map of Alzada NW

About this map

Little Missouri River drainage defines this corner of Carter County, where a complex network of seasonal waterways carves through the high plains of southeastern Montana. The landscape is characterized by its hydrological pattern, with parallel drainage systems like South Cottonwood Creek and North Cottonwood Creek flowing toward the main river valley. This 1980 edition, based on earlier field checks, captures the rural topography before modern development altered these remote drainages. Smaller tributaries such as Short Creek and Hamilton Creek illustrate the natural erosion patterns typical of this region. The absence of major settlements highlights the land's primary use for cattle ranching and open-range agriculture, with the network of South Butte Creek and North Butte Creek providing essential water resources in a semi-arid environment.