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Rare Early Wall Map of Beaverhead County, Montana

Fine large wall map of Beaverhead County, compiled by county surveyor George R. Metlen in Dillon.

The county is shown prior to its merger with Madison County.

The map offers a vividly detailed look at the topographical features of the county, with roughly a third of the county having been surveyed into townships, mostly along the major rivers.  The Oregon Short Line Railroad is shown, along with a few roads and the location of a number of mines, mining districts and the few towns in the county, including Dillon, Bannock, Medicine Lodge, Dell, Lima, Grant, Jackson, Wisdom and others.

Beaverhead County, located in the southwestern corner of Montana, was established on February 2, 1865, as one of the original territorial counties of the state. It was named for Beaverhead Rock, a landmark that Sacajawea had pointed out to Lewis and Clark, explaining that her people named it for its resemblance to a beaver's head. Though it began as one of the smallest counties, Beaverhead expanded in 1911 when 938 square miles from Madison County were added, making it one of the largest counties in the state today.

The region was originally home to Native American tribes, but its history as a hub for settlers began in 1862 when gold was discovered on Grasshopper Creek, sparking Montana’s first gold rush. Word of the discovery spread quickly, attracting miners from across the country. The town of Bannack was founded almost overnight, named after the Bannock Indians who inhabited the area. Bannack, originally called Bannack City, became Montana’s first capital and home to its first governor. The town also hosted Montana’s first post office, established in November 1863. However, in 1865, the capital was moved to Virginia City, and Bannack’s prominence began to fade. Today, it stands as a well-preserved ghost town and state park.

With the influx of miners came lawlessness, as "Road Agents" roamed the area, leading to the rise of vigilantism. The most infamous episode involved the establishment of a vigilante group in response to widespread criminal activity. The arrival of miners was soon followed by ranchers and farmers, who established cattle and sheep operations. John F. Bishop brought the first band of sheep into Montana, and Beaverhead County became the largest exporter of wool in the state at one time. The 1870 census recorded 185 dwellings, 293 families, and 593 white males.

The Nez Perce War of 1877 also left its mark on Beaverhead County, with the Battle of Big Hole taking place nearby as the Nez Perce attempted to flee into Canada. The battle site is now preserved as the Big Hole National Battlefield.

In 1879, the arrival of the railroad transformed the county, with Dillon emerging as a key town. Founded in 1880 as one of the tent cities that sprang up along the railroad’s path, Dillon was named after Union Pacific Railroad President Sidney Dillon. The town quickly developed, becoming the county seat in 1881, replacing Bannack, and constructing its first brick building the same year.  

Rarity

The map is extremely rare.  

OCLC locates 1 example at the Montana Historical Society.