1956 Map of Wheat Basin

About this map

Wheat Basin serves as a central point of interest in this mid-century topographic study of Stillwater County. The landscape is characterized by its large, shallow basins and seasonal water bodies, most notably the Halfbreed Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the expansive Big Lake to the south. The Northern Pacific railroad cuts a diagonal line through the heart of the Basin, illustrating the critical role of rail transport in moving grain and cattle from this prairie environment. Scattered oil wells and other mineral explorations hint at the industrial layers beneath the agricultural surface. The map also captures the intricate drainage patterns of Cedar Creek and Lost Creek, which navigate the subtle elevation changes of Rattlesnake Ridge and the surrounding terrain. This survey provides a precise look at the 1950s rural infrastructure, from the Refuge Boundary to the isolated homesteads and wells that defined life in this corner of Montana.