1954 Map of House Creek

About this map

The Bozeman Trail cuts across the northeastern corner of this high plains landscape, marking the historic mid-19th-century overland route to the Montana gold fields. This mid-century survey, produced in collaboration with the United States Atomic Energy Commission, details the intricate drainage systems feeding into the Powder River. The terrain is defined by the prominent Pine Ridge to the south and a dense network of intermittent watercourses including Bullwhacker Creek, House Creek, and Dry Fork Powder River. Local landmarks like the Windmill in section twenty-three and numerous named draws such as Frenchman Draw and Reeves Draw suggest a sparse but established ranching footprint. The map also records early-period place names like School Section Draw and Carpenter Draw, providing a precise record of the topography and land use in Johnson County during the 1950s.