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1955 Map of Crown Butte

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Crown Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

The Gallatin River valley serves as the primary corridor for travel and settlement in this mid-century survey, with U.S. 191 following the water north to south. This era is defined by a dense network of guest ranches and mountain lodges that supported a growing recreation economy, including the 320 Ranch, Elkhorn Ranch, and Rainbow Ranch. To the east, the high country of the Gallatin National Forest is mapped with extensive pack trails and primitive routes reaching landmarks like Ramshorn Peak and Fortress Mountain.

The landscape is divided between multiple jurisdictions, where the Gallatin Game Preserve borders the northwestern edge of Yellowstone National Park. Local education is anchored at the Ophir Sch near the northern boundary, while administrative presence is noted at the Gallatin Ranger Station. The survey details a rugged watershed defined by named drainages like Taylor Fork and Buffalo Horn Creek, illustrating how the valley's development remained tied to the accessible canyon floors.