1956 Map of Hickson Ranch

About this map

Hickson Ranch and Mackey Ranch anchor this mid-century survey of the Yellowstone County landscape, conducted as part of a development program for the Missouri River Basin. The topography is defined by the winding course of Burnt Coulee and the broader valley of Fivemile Creek to the south. These seasonal watercourses dictate the placement of ranching operations and primitive infrastructure like Alexander Road. Several survey markers, including Wheat, Yucca, and GLO No 6, provide precise elevation data for researchers and surveyors. The map illustrates a sparse, working landscape where geography and land use are inextricably linked to the availability of water, evidenced by the scattered springs and occasional spillway infrastructure used to manage the arid environment.