1954 Map of Cow Island

About this map

The Missouri River winds through a landscape defined by dramatic breaks and deeply cut coulees at this mid-century point in Montana history. Along the northern banks, the Kip Homestead represents the persistent footprint of individual settlers in this isolated stretch of the river basin. The river itself is interrupted by the prominent Cow Island, a landmark of early river navigation and trade. Drainage patterns are clearly marked by the convergence of several major tributaries, including Cow Creek, Cabin Creek, and Bull Creek, which carve through the high plains toward the river valley. A simple Jeep Trail provides the primary means of overland movement across the varying elevations, connecting the high ridges like Snake Point to the river bottoms. This survey was conducted as part of the Department of the Interior program for the development of the Missouri River Basin.