1904 Map of Havre

About this map

Havre serves as the primary hub along the northern Montana high plains at the beginning of the twentieth century, anchored by the critical infrastructure of the Great Northern R. R. and the winding Milk River. The landscape is defined by an extensive network of early cattle operations and homesteads, including Stringfellow's Ranch, Mc Devitt's Ranch, and Healy's Ranch, which populate the drainages around Bullhook Creek. The terrain transitions from the river valley to prominent landmarks such as Saddle Butte and Squaw Butte. To the east, the small siding of Toledo appears along the rail line near Mc Grew's Ranch, illustrating how early Montana settlement closely followed both the water and the iron rail. The map records numerous coulees, such as Lohman's Coulee and Coal Coulee, that provided vital shelter and drainage for the region's burgeoning ranching economy.