1986 Map of Francis

About this map

Sixteenmile Creek carves a deep path through the Montana highlands in the mid-1980s, marking a complex intersection of three counties. This landscape is defined by the high elevations of Wall Mountain and Sherlock Mountain, where the boundaries of the Helena National Forest and Gallatin National Forest meet. The settlement of Francis sits along the southern portion of the creek, serving as a rare point of habitation in a terrain otherwise characterized by steep drainages and mountain peaks. The map reveals the path of transportation history through the mountains, clearly tracing an Old Railroad Grade and a more recent Railroad Grade that follow the natural watercourse. These grades reflect the vital role of rail in navigating the difficult topography between Meagher, Broadwater, and Gallatin counties, providing a clear record of the infrastructure used to bypass these mountain barriers.