1985 Map of Horsethief Coulee East

About this map

The rugged drainage systems of Fergus County define this mid-1980s landscape, where the North Fork McDonald Creek and Chippewa Creek cut through the high plains. The map illustrates a transitional period for regional transport and agriculture, most notably marked by the Old Railroad Grade that traverses the central portion of the quadrangle. This defunct rail line, running roughly parallel to Alkali Creek, indicates the shifting infrastructure of central Montana's ranching economy. The Holland Ranch serves as a primary focal point for local land use, complete with the Holland Ranch Landing Strip, reflecting the necessity of private aviation for navigating this expansive terrain. From the northern reaches of Fords Creek to the deep contours of Horsethief Coulee, the survey provides a detailed account of the seasonal watercourses and topographical breaks that have shaped cattle ranching and settlement patterns in this part of the state.