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1960 Map of Block Mountain

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Block Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

The Big Hole River winds through this 1960 landscape, serving as a natural boundary between Madison and Beaverhead Counties. The terrain is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, from the prominent Bell Peak and Block Mountain to the narrow valley floor where early ranching and irrigation infrastructure is evident. Water management is a primary theme of the area, shown through the extensive network of the Cocanougher Ditch, Fred Bryan Ditch, and several natural water sources like Garrison Spring and Chokecherry Spring.

Resource extraction and historic land use are highlighted by the presence of the Spisak Mine and various prospects tucked into the gulches. A notable cultural landmark, the Buffalo Jump, sits near the river, indicating long-standing human activity in the region. Transportation across the hills is facilitated by the Buhrer Garrison Road and Burma Road, connecting the river valley to the more remote upland gulches such as Creasey Gulch and Ziegler Gulch.