1977 Map of Browns Valley

About this map

Browns Valley sits at a critical geographic juncture on the Continental Divide, where this 1977 orthophotoquad reveals the intricate water patterns of the Traverse Gap. The imagery provides a clear view of the narrow valley floor between Lake Traverse, which flows north toward the Arctic, and Big Stone Lake, the headwaters of the Minnesota River flowing south to the Gulf of Mexico. This landscape, shaped by the ancient glacial River Warren, is shown in high detail by the Geological Survey in cooperation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The aerial perspective highlights the agricultural grid surrounding the settlement and the winding course of the Little Minnesota River as it enters the head of the lake, offering a precise look at the land use and drainage patterns of this border region during the late 1970s.