1955 Map of Packsaddle Butte

About this map

Packsaddle Butte rises as a prominent landmark in this mid-century survey of Sweet Grass County, marking the transition from the river valley to the protected lands of the Gallatin National Forest. The northeastern corner of the map is defined by the Yellowstone River, which serves as a vital corridor for the Northern Pacific railroad. The landscape is deeply dissected by a network of drainages such as Greycliff Creek, Norwegian Gulch, and Overfelt Gulch, illustrating the complex hydrology that feeds into the Yellowstone. High-elevation features like the Black Butte Trail and several seasonal water sources, including West Bridger Spring, suggest the area's importance for local ranching and forest management. The boundary between public forest lands and private parcels is clearly delineated, reflecting the 1950s land-use patterns in this part of Montana.