1953 Map of Montour

About this map

The Payette River carves through the Idaho landscape here, held back by the Black Canyon Dam to create the Black Canyon Reservoir. In this mid-century period, the small valley settlements of Sweet and Montour serve as local hubs for the surrounding ranching and mining terrain. The map reveals a transition from the agricultural flats near Emmett, where the Lincoln School and Fuller Island are situated, to the high-elevation mining claims of the Boise Mountains. Evidence of the region's mineral interests is visible in the cluster of names around Pearl Creek, including the Gem State Mine, Monroe Mine, and IXL Mine. Transportation is defined by the Union Pacific rail line and the Pacific Highway, which follow the river's path, while the rugged backcountry is marked by numerous gulches like Picket Corral Gulch and Jackass Gulch.