2014 Map of Cascade Colony

About this map

Fort Shaw and the Cascade Colony anchor this modern topographical study of the Montana plains, where the land is defined by complex drainage systems and irrigation infrastructure. The northern section is dominated by the Fort Shaw Canal and the Russell Lateral, supporting agriculture in this semi-arid environment. The terrain transitions from these managed waterways into a series of deeply etched coulees named for local families and natural features, including Fjeld Coulee, Hanson Coulee, and O'Neil Coulee. Prominent geological landmarks like Square Butte and Shaw Butte rise above the surrounding creek beds, while the southern reaches of the map follow the meandering paths of Little Muddy Cr and Saint Johns Cr toward Rocky Reef Reservoir. This 2014 survey documents the persistence of the Hutterite colony and the enduring rural road network that connects these isolated settlements.