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1965 Map of Northeast Great Falls

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Northeast Great Falls
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Malmstrom Air Force Base dominates the southeastern quadrant of this mid-1960s survey, illustrating the Cold War era footprint of this strategic installation alongside the expanding residential fringes of Great Falls. The Missouri River serves as the primary industrial and natural artery, punctuated by significant hydroelectric infrastructure including Cochrane Dam and Rainbow Dam. These sites, alongside Rainbow Falls and Crooked Falls, reveal the heavy reliance on the river's descent for power generation.

Beyond the industrial riverfront, the map captures local landmarks like the Drive-in Theater and Giant Springs, a notable geological feature near the State Fish Hatchery. The northern landscape transitions into the open expanse of Black Horse Lake Flat and Blackfeet Gulch, while the presence of the Burlington Northern and Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroads highlights the city's role as a regional transportation hub during this period of Montana's development.