1960 Map of St Xavier

About this map

The settlement of St Xavier and the nearby St John Ch serve as focal points for this survey of the Big Horn Valley during the mid-20th century. The landscape is defined by the powerful north-flowing Bighorn River and the complex irrigation network of the Big Horn Canal, which parallels the river along the valley floor. The surrounding terrain is deeply carved by numerous drainages, including the lengthy Rotten Grass Creek and the family-named Del Howe Coulee. To the east, the Mission Buttes provide a distinct topographic break from the undulating coulees and grazing lands. The presence of several Gravel Pits and various pits throughout the hills suggests the importance of local material extraction for maintaining the area's rural road network. This map offers a clear view of the Crow Indian Reservation landscape as it appeared before the significant changes of the late 20th century.