1949 Map of Medicine Lake

About this map

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge dominates this northeastern Montana landscape during the late 1940s, providing a sanctuary across the border of Sheridan and Roosevelt Counties. The map details the administrative and logistical infrastructure of the refuge, including the Refuge Headquarters, a Lookout Tower, and the extensive Refuge Patrol Trail skirting the northern shoreline. Several named islands, such as Bruces Island, Youngs Island, and Big Island, are visible within the expansive waters of Medicine Lake. This period of land management is captured through a lens of agricultural and community continuity, evidenced by rural landmarks like the Zieh Sch, Medicine Lake Cem, and Homestead Cem. The southern portion of the quadrangle transitions to the drainage of McCabe Creek and the elevation of Umbrights Hill, offering a clear view of the prairie's topography before modern development.