1912 Map of Smoke Creek

About this map

The Fort Peck Indian Reservation dominates this 1909 survey of northeastern Montana, revealing a landscape of rolling coulees and intermittent watercourses before significant modern development. The drainage of Smoke Creek and the meandering path of Spring Creek define the eastern terrain, while the solitary Wests Ranch stands as the only named settlement or commercial landmark in the northern portion of the quadrangle. This era reflects the early administration of the reservation lands following the turn of the century, documented here by the General Land Office. In the southeast corner, the seasonal waters of Manning Lake and a smaller labeled Lake indicate the variable hydrology of the high plains. The map provides a precise look at the township and range grid system as it was physically established on the ground during the Taft administration.