1895 Map of Three Forks

About this map

The confluence of the Jefferson River, Madison River, and Gallatin River forms the headwaters of the Missouri River on this reconnaissance survey of southwest Montana. The regional infrastructure is defined by the Northern Pacific Railroad, which follows the river valleys through Threeforks, Manhattan, and Belgrade toward the territorial hub of Bozeman. In the southwest corner, the legacy of the 1860s gold rush is evident around Virginia City, where Alder Gulch and Browns Gulch mark the sites of significant placer mining activity. The map reveals a transition from these early mining districts to established agricultural ranching, shown by markers such as Gums Ranch and Spring Hill. Along the river corridors, early infrastructure is preserved through named crossings like Barton's Bridge and Shedds Bridge, alongside thermal landmarks like Matthews Hot Springs.