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1997 Map of Melrose

Name: 1997 Topographic Map of Melrose
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2002
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2002

About this map

Melrose serves as the focal point of this high-country landscape, situated where the Big Hole River winds through narrow valleys near the borders of Silver Bow, Beaverhead, and Madison counties. The area's industrial legacy is etched into the terrain through numerous prospects and established operations such as the Old Glory Mine and Maiden Rock Mine. Water management is central to the settlement pattern, evidenced by an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure including the Mc Cauley Ditch, Pendergast Ditch, and Smith Camp Ditch, which redirect flow from the river to supporting agricultural and mining needs.

Mountainous terrain dominates the eastern and western horizons, defined by peaks like Old Glory Mountain and Goat Mountain. Recreation is established along the river corridor at the Maiden Rock Campground and Salmon Fly Campground, while local history is anchored by the Melrose Cem. The survey details the complex topography of Soap Gulch and Chicken Gulch, illustrating the transition between the riparian river bottom and the surrounding Beaverhead National Forest.