1960 Map of Mission Coulee

About this map

The Crow Indian Reservation landscape is defined by an intricate network of drainage channels and high plateaus in Big Horn County. This 1960 field-checked survey reveals a land utilized primarily for ranching, where the limited water supply dictates the location of human activity. The presence of Siemion Ranch near the winding course of Rotten Grass Creek and Wolf Ranch in the southern reaches demonstrates the isolated nature of these mid-century operations. The topography is dominated by dramatic elevation changes, notably at Rattlesnake Butte, which overlooks a series of deep ravines like Mission Coulee and Ash Coulee. Farther south, the Cooper Basin serves as a distinct natural catchment area. These features reflect the geomorphology of the Missouri River Basin, where ephemeral streams like Dry Soap Creek have carved a complex relief into the high plains.