1915 Map of Spring Creek

About this map

The Fort Peck Indian Reservation dominates this 1909-1910 survey of Valley County, showcasing a landscape defined by its intricate drainage systems and seasonal water sources. The map captures the meandering path of Little Porcupine Creek and its tributary, the West Fork Little Porcupine Creek, as they cut through the terrain. To the southeast, the uniquely named Tomato Can Creek flows toward the reservation's borders, while the Todd Lakes area is marked by numerous small depressions and basins, characteristic of the prairie pothole region. This topography, recorded by the General Land Office under Chief Geographer R.B. Marshall, illustrates the open-range character of northeastern Montana before significant modern development. The cartography provides a clear view of the natural water distribution that governed early ranching and land use in Porcupine Valley, from the northern reaches of Porcupine Cr to the southern plains.