1953 Map of Miles City

About this map

The Yellowstone River and its major tributaries, the Powder River and Tongue River, define this mid-century landscape of eastern Montana and western North Dakota. This era shows the dominance of the Northern Pacific and the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroads as they connect hubs like Miles City and Baker. The survey highlights a rural infrastructure of one-room schoolhouses and community landmarks, such as Yates School and St Phillips Church, situated among the wide drainages of Boxelder Creek and O'Fallon Creek. Local geography is anchored by prominent elevations like Signal Butte and the natural formations of Medicine Rocks. This record also tracks the region's early industrial footprint through scattered Oil wells and the establishment of the Lamsteer National Wildlife Refuge near the state line.