1886 Map of Great Falls

About this map

The confluence of the Sun River and the Missouri River anchors this late nineteenth-century reconnaissance of central Montana, a landscape defined by its vital watercourses and early territorial outposts. Established military and religious sites, such as Fort Shaw and St. Peter's Mission, highlight the strategic and cultural importance of the region during this era. The map traces the winding paths of the Teton River to the north and the Smith River to the south, revealing a network of early settlements including Perrysburgh, Ulida, and Truly. The topography is marked by distinctive features like Teton Ridge and the Alkali Pond, reflecting the transition from river valleys to high plains. This survey captures the region just as the city of Great Falls was beginning its ascent, documenting the foundational geography of Cascade, Choteau, and Meagher counties before the arrival of extensive rail networks and industrial development.