1986 Map of Briggs Coulee

About this map

Mc Donald Creek meanders through the heart of this landscape, carving a valley that separates the higher plateaus from the lower drainage basins. This 1986 provisional survey captures the transition between Fergus and Petroleum counties, highlighting a rural environment defined by water management and previous industrial efforts. The presence of multiple locations marked as Flowing Well points to the importance of artesian water sources for ranching and livestock in this semi-arid region. Trace the path of the Old Railroad Grade, which provides a clear indicator of former transportation infrastructure through the rugged terrain. North of the creek, the land rises toward the drainage of Briggs Coulee, illustrating the complex topography that governed early settlement and land use patterns in central Montana.