Loading map...

1956 Map of Billings East

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Billings East
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

The Yellowstone River anchors this mid-century look at Montana's growing rail and industrial hub, passing through a landscape defined by the steep Rimrocks and the prominent Sacrifice Cliff. The map reveals the expansion of Billings eastward toward Lockwood, with several Oil Refinery sites and the extensive Burlington Northern railyards marking the city's economic foundations. Rural heritage is visible in the network of irrigation infrastructure such as the Billings Bench Canal and McGirl Ditch, which supported the surrounding agriculture.

Local history researchers will find notable landmarks including the Boothill Cem and Riverside Cem, along with community anchors like Hawthorn Ch and Independent Dist 52 Sch. The transition of the landscape is further detailed through recreation and infrastructure, from the Lake Elmo (Holling Res) to the County Hospital, illustrating the infrastructure needed to support the post-war population boom.