1892 Map of Fort Benton

About this map

Fort Benton stands as a central terminal at the confluence of the Missouri River and the St Paul Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad. This 1880s survey captures a pivotal era when waterborne trade was transitioning to the rail network, evidenced by the tracks running parallel to the river valley. The landscape is dominated by the volcanic forms of the Highwood Mountains, including Highwood Peak and Arrow Peak, which rise sharply from the plains. To the south, the foothills of the Little Belt Mountains emerge near the settlement of Clendenin. The confluence of the Marias River and the Teton River north of the city underscores the importance of this territory as a historical navigational hub. Small frontier settlements such as Shepherd, Stanford, and Grafton are documented alongside natural landmarks like Square Butte and Belt Butte.