1954 Map of Forsyth

About this map

The Yellowstone River and its parallel rail lines dictate the settlement pattern of this mid-century Montana landscape. The Northern Pacific and the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroads follow the river corridor, supporting towns like Forsyth and Hysham and smaller sidings such as Bascom Siding and Ahles Siding. To the north, the terrain transitions into the high plains where the economy shifts from river-valley agriculture to energy extraction, anchored by the North West Sumatra Oil Field and the Ragged Point Oil Field near Sumatra. The map also captures the confluence of the Bighorn River with the Yellowstone, a vital junction for regional travel. Distinctive local toponyms, including Starved to Death Creek and Froze to Death Creek, reflect the stark realities of the early frontier experience in this part of Rosebud and Treasure Counties.