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1950 Map of Three Forks

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Three Forks
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The convergence of three major rivers—the Jefferson River, Madison River, and Gallatin River—dominates this mid-century landscape at Three Forks. This area serves as a critical junction for the region's transportation and agricultural infrastructure. The rail lines of the Milwaukee Road, the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific, and the Northern Pacific converge near the town, highlighting the importance of rail transit in the 1950s.

Evidence of established valley life appears in local landmarks like Mt Green Cemetery and the Stateler Monument, alongside rural educational centers such as Jefferson School and Lane School. The map also documents an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure, including the Lower Ditch, And Ditch, and Willow Creek Ditch. Further from the river bottom, the landscape transitions to mining and ranching, featuring the Copper City Mine and family-named holdings like the Silver Sage Ranch and Climbing Arrow Ranch.