1970 Map of Sagebrush Coulee

About this map

Sagebrush Coulee and the surrounding high plains of Liberty County appear here as a landscape defined by water management and natural drainages. Published as part of a Department of the Interior program for the development of the Missouri River Basin, the topography reflects an era of agricultural engineering. Man-made features like the Aqueduct and the Landing Strip point to the practical infrastructure of the 1970s, while numerous reservoirs such as Walden Reservoir and Patts Reservoir illustrate the critical role of water storage in this semi-arid region. The intricate network of coulees, including Beebe Coulee, Fey Coulee, and Twelvemile Coulee, provides a glimpse into the natural erosion patterns and drainage systems that dictate the use of this Montana terrain. Researchers can find subtle evidence of land division and land-use priorities through the placement of these water resources and transportation markers.