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1969 Map of First Creek

Name: 1969 Topographic Map of First Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Pumpkin Creek meanders through this portion of Custer County, serving as the primary hydrological spine for a landscape defined by seasonal drainages and cattle country. Photogrammetric methods from 1968 reveal a sparsely settled territory where water management is paramount, evidenced by the numerous wells scattered across the township lines. The human footprint is centered on isolated landmarks such as the Monta Sch, a vital touchstone for local genealogy and the history of rural education in Montana's high plains.

A series of tributary drainages including First Creek, Second Creek, and Third Creek carve into the terrain, while the northern reaches are marked by Johnson Creek and Peterson Draw. The map documents a traditional ranching economy where property boundaries are meticulously noted by fine red dashed lines indicating fence lines. Physical infrastructure is minimal, consisting of a few improved roads and a Gravel Pit, highlighting the area's isolation during the late 1960s.