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1960 Map of Twin Bridges

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Twin Bridges
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

The confluence of the Big Hole River, Beaverhead River, and Ruby River marks a vital hydrologic junction in this 1960s survey of southern Montana. These waters merge to form the Jefferson River just north of Twin Bridges, a town defined by its river-valley location and the tracks of the Northern Pacific railroad. The landscape shifts abruptly from the fertile river bottoms and sloughs, such as Schoolhouse Slough, to the high elevations of the Highland Mountains and the Deerlodge National Forest in the northwest.

Mineral interests and early mountain trails are evident throughout the high country, with sites like the Big Bonanza Mine and Eclipse Mine scattered along the mountain flanks. Near Twin Bridges, researchers can identify civic landmarks including the Twin Bridges Cem and the State Childrens Center. To the north, the settlement of Silver Star sits along the Jefferson, serving as a gateway to the Ironrod Hills and Bulldog Mountain.