1966 Map of Knife River Mine

About this map

Industrial excavations at the Knife River Mine dominate the high ground of Richland County in the mid-1960s, showing a series of active Strip Mines north of Peabody Coulee. This landscape is defined by the sharp contrast between the upland mining operations and the riparian activity along the Yellowstone River in the southeast. Near the riverbanks, the Northern Pacific railroad tracks parallel the Lewis and Clark Canal, supporting the regional movement of resources. Small settlements like Valentine and Flat are positioned near the river, while a Pumping Sta and various wells indicate the infrastructure required for water management and resource extraction. The terrain is deeply incised by drainages such as Garden Coulee and Beef Slough, which navigate the complex topography surrounding Marys Island.