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1950 Map of Sphinx Mountain

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Sphinx Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

The Madison Range and Gallatin Range dominate this mid-century survey of southwestern Montana, documenting a high-country landscape defined by early federal land management and private ranching. Remote outposts such as the Big Spring Ranger Sta and Cache Creek Ranger Sta mark the administrative presence of the Gallatin National Forest, while the northern reaches show established working lands like the Michel Ranch and Smith Ranch.

A complex drainage system of the West Fork Gallatin River carves through the terrain, featuring landmarks like Ousel Falls and the aptly named Yellow Mule Ranger Sta. Historical trails, including the Eldridge Trail and Wapiti Ridge Trail, provide a look at the backcountry accessibility of the era. The presence of the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch near Taylor Creek highlights the region's enduring tradition of mountain tourism and ranching life before modern development.