Loading map...

1954 Map of Waltham

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Waltham
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

The winding course of Belt Creek defines this section of the Montana landscape, carving deep meanders through the high plains near the border of Chouteau and Cascade counties. The Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad tracks parallel the water, utilizing an impressive series of engineering feats to navigate the terrain, including Belt Creek Tunnel No 6, Belt Creek Tunnel No 5, and the Amphitheater Tunnel No 4. This rail corridor was the lifeblood for small settlements like Waltham and Rogers, connecting them to the larger regional markets.

Upland from the river valley, the topography is marked by significant features like Shepherd Butte and Rattlesnake Hill. Remote educational outposts such as Shepherd Butte Sch served the scattered ranching families of the area. The map also records vital historical transit points across the water, such as Shepherd Crossing and the Peck and Lacey Crossing, which provided essential links across the creek before more permanent modern infrastructure was established.