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2011 Map of Nelson Island

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Nelson Island
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

The Missouri River winds through the heart of this Cascade County landscape, framing the distinct landform of Nelson Island near the small settlement of Riverdale. This area, characterized by the broad floor of Chestnut Valley, shows a persistent ranching and agricultural layout defined by long-established local roads such as River Rd and Baker Rd. The geography is heavily influenced by the drainage patterns of Little Muddy Creek and Bird Creek, which feed toward the main river channel.

Genealogists and local historians can find significant landmarks of early settlement and rural infrastructure, including the Castner Falls Cemetery positioned along the eastern heights. The presence of water management features like the Missouri Bird Dam and Gallaher Number 2 Dam along the southern creeks illustrates the historical necessity of irrigation and livestock watering in this Montana valley. These features, alongside the network of rural routes like Old US Hwy 91, document the evolution of travel and land use in the region.