1954 Map of Great Falls

About this map

The Missouri River and Sun River converge at the center of this mid-century landscape, where the urban expansion of Great Falls is defined by a dense grid of residential streets and industrial rail lines. The presence of Malmstrom Air Force Base east of the city highlights the Cold War-era military footprint in the region, while the Great Northern and Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroads crisscross the plains to connect agriculture-heavy settlements like Fort Benton and Fairfield. To the north, the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge preserves a critical wetland system amidst the high-plains benches. Further south and east, the elevation rises sharply into the Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Highwood Mountains, where landmarks like the Tiger Butte Community Center and Running Wolf Ranger Station anchor the rural mountain communities.