1979 Map of Roundup

About this map

The Musselshell River carves through a landscape of coal mining and cattle country in this 1979 survey of central Montana. The town of Roundup serves as a regional hub, surrounded by smaller coal-related settlements such as Klein, Gibbtown, and Farreltown. The presence of the Western Mine and Niva Mine highlights the industrial character of the area, while the Chicago Milwaukee ST Paul And Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads underscore the importance of transit in moving resources to market. To the south, the terrain descends toward the Yellowstone River, passing through the wide open reaches of Comanche Flat and Hay Basin. Landmarks like Naderman Buttes and Steamboat Butte provide distinctive orientation points across the Musselshell and Yellowstone watersheds. This survey documents the intersection of heavy rail, resource extraction, and the enduring agricultural layout of the Big Sky country.