1978 Map of Jackson

About this map

Jackson sits at the northern edge of this high mountain valley, serving as a hub for the ranching and timber interests of southwestern Montana. The Big Hole River winds through the center of the sheet, flanked by a network of drainage ditches and creeks including Governor Creek and Hamby Creek. This mid-century landscape is defined by its geothermal and recreational features, from the Jardine Hot Spring and Patterson Springs near the townsite to the Ski Hill and Landing Strip that reflect the area's development for tourism and access. The western and southern reaches are dominated by the Beaverhead National Forest, where the terrain rises toward the Pioneer Mountains. Family-named landmarks such as Davis Bench and the settlement at Englejard suggest the history of early land claims, while the Popularis Cemetery provides a vital point of reference for genealogists researching the residents of this high-altitude basin.