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1885 Map of Gallatin

Name: 1885 Topographic Map of Gallatin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1886
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1886

About this map

The Gardiner River and Gibbon River carve through the geothermal-active northwest corner of the park, as documented by surveyors J.H. Renshawe and Frank Tweedy. This early map reveals a landscape defined by natural wonders and the earliest tourism infrastructure, anchored by the Hotel at Mammoth Hot Springs. The survey captures the intricate hydrothermal features that made the area famous, including the Norris Geyser Basin and the striking Obsidian Cliff.

The presence of Virginia Cascade and Roaring Mt highlights the dynamic geology, while the high peaks of the Gallatin range, such as Mt Holmes and Joseph Peak, dominate the western horizon. The inclusion of Christmas Tree Park and The Landmark suggests a landscape already being codified for early visitors, showing the original paths and natural landmarks used for navigation before modern road systems were established.