2011 Map of Maxwell Butte

About this map

Maxwell Butte stands as the primary landmark in this ranchland region of Custer County, where the management of water resources is paramount to the local economy. The landscape is defined by an intricate network of small reservoirs and earthen structures, many bearing family names such as the Rafferty and Fox series, as well as the Robinson and L Krutzfeldt dams. These features emphasize the reliance on seasonal drainages like Elmhurst Creek, Lindsey Creek, and Spring Creek for livestock and agriculture in a semi-arid environment. Infrastructure is sparse, anchored by the long stretch of Powderville Rd which provides the main transit corridor through the rolling terrain. This 2011 survey documents a modern snapshot of traditional Montana land use, where geographic naming conventions often reflect the legacy of local landholders and the vital necessity of water storage.