1965 Map of Bannock Pass

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this high-altitude landscape, serving as the natural boundary between Beaverhead County, Montana and Lemhi County, Idaho. This mid-1960s survey captures a transition in high-country transportation, where an Old RR Grade runs parallel to Horse Prairie Creek, marking a vanished corridor of rail commerce near Bannock Pass. The land is divided between the Beaverhead National Forest and Salmon National Forest, with rugged terrain defined by Grizzly Hill and deep cuts like Black Canyon Creek. Resource extraction left its mark through several prospects and the distinctly named Digmore Mine. Numerous water sources, such as Irish Boy Springs, Wagonbox Spring, and Soapstone Spring, suggest the importance of reliable water for both early mining operations and livestock in this mountain pass environment.