1921 Map of Elbow Lake

About this map

The Mission Range defines the northwestern reaches of this 1921 tactical survey, overlooking the complex topography of the Flathead National Forest and Missoula National Forest. This advance sheet captures a transitional period for the region, clearly delineating the Former Flathead Indian Reservation Boundary as it cuts diagonally across the landscape toward the Jocko River. Evidence of early administrative and agricultural presence is found at the Holland Lake R.S. and Gordon Ranch, while a network of wilderness paths like the Gordon Trail and Gold Cr. Trail provide the primary means of transit through the high country. The map is particularly detailed regarding the glacial lakes of the area, from the larger Placid Lake and Holland Lake to the more remote Upper Jocko L. and Roosevelt L., documenting the hydrography of the Swan and Jocko watersheds before extensive modern development.