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1920 Map of Flathead Lake

Name: 1920 Topographic Map of Flathead Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1920
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1920

About this map

Flathead Lake dominates this progressive military survey, illustrating the complex hydrology and early development of the region during the transition following the opening of the Indian Reservation. The map details an extensive irrigation network essential to the era's agricultural expansion, featuring the Pablo Reservoir, Crow Creek Reservoir, and a web of waterways including the Feeder Canal and Dixon Polson Canal. This water infrastructure supported growing settlements like Polson, Ronan, and Pablo along the N. P. Ry. line.

Scientific and industrial landmarks are prominently noted, such as the U. of M. Biological Sta. on the lakeshore and the Newell Tunnel Dam along the Flathead River. In the western reaches, Mary Ronan Lake sits within the Blackfeet National Forest, while the shoreline is dotted with early community centers like Dayton, Elmo, and Rollins. This record captures the landscape just as large-scale engineering and rail transport began to reshape the valley's economy.