Published in 1968 from 1964 survey work, the US Geological Survey’s “Hamilton South” presents a finely detailed topographical portrait of Hamilton, Montana, and the southern reach of the Bitterroot Valley. At the classic 1:24,000 scale, the map captures the intimacy of the landscape: streets, roads, streams, wooded slopes, and the sinuous course of the Bitterroot River are all rendered with the precision for which USGS quadrangles are admired. Hamilton appears as the principal settlement, set amid agricultural land, river terraces, and the rising drama of the surrounding mountains. The result is not merely a map of a town, but a measured record of a valley community at a particular moment in the mid-twentieth century.

The US Geological Survey brought to this map nearly a century of institutional expertise in reading and recording the American landscape. Established to provide reliable scientific knowledge of the nation’s terrain, geology, water, and resources, the USGS became the authoritative cartographic voice for land management, engineering, conservation, and exploration. “Hamilton South” reflects that mission in its disciplined visual language: contour lines articulate every rise and draw, blue waterways define the hydrological structure, black symbols mark roads and built features, and light green shading distinguishes forested terrain. This familiar but elegant system allows the viewer to move effortlessly between human settlement and natural form, seeing how the two interlock across the Bitterroot country.

Hamilton occupies a remarkable position within the Bitterroot Valley, a long and fertile corridor framed by rugged mountain ranges and shaped by the Bitterroot River. On this map, the river’s winding path becomes the central geographic thread, accompanied by smaller tributaries and seasonal drainages that descend from the surrounding heights. Nearby places such as Woodside, Deer Creek, Avarell Creek, and Charles W. Moore Creek help build a richly layered picture of rural Montana, where homesteads, roads, fields, and waterways sit in close relationship. The valley’s open floor contrasts beautifully with the tight contouring of adjacent ridges, making the map especially compelling as a study in elevation, settlement, and environmental transition.

Beyond the valley floor, the map draws the eye toward wilder country: Blodgett Canyon, Mount Selway, surrounding peaks, ridges, and the branching systems of the East Fork and West Fork of the Bitterroot River. Contour lines bunch and sweep across the sheet, revealing steep canyon walls, descending creeks, and the sculptural complexity of mountain terrain. The light green forest tint enhances this sense of place, distinguishing wooded uplands from more open agricultural and settled areas below. For those who know the Bitterroot as a landscape of hiking, fishing, hunting, and scenic travel, the map offers a particularly evocative view of the physical foundations beneath that outdoor heritage.

Historically, “Hamilton South” is also a document of change. Its 1964 survey data records Hamilton and its environs before later decades of expansion, road improvement, subdivision, and shifting land use transformed parts of the Bitterroot Valley. Comparing the map’s road networks, town footprint, and rural patterns with the modern landscape reveals the slow but unmistakable evolution of western Montana communities. Yet the enduring elements remain powerful: the river corridor, the mountain walls, the creeks descending from high country, and the valley’s characteristic balance between settlement and open land. As a cartographic artifact, it preserves a nuanced mid-century view of one of Montana’s most picturesque and geographically expressive regions.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Hamilton
• Bitterroot River
• Bitterroot Valley
• East Fork Bitterroot River
• West Fork Bitterroot River
• Woodside
• Blodgett Canyon
• Deer Creek
• Avarell Creek
• Charles W. Moore Creek
• Mount Selway
• Various mountain peaks and ridges
• Road networks
• Other minor valleys and streams

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the US Geological Survey, this historical 1:24,000 topographical map shows Hamilton, Montana, and the surrounding area.
• The map is dated 1964 and carries a 1968 imprint.
• The USGS specializes in mapping and geological surveys, providing essential data for land use, resource management, and environmental assessments across the United States.
• The map features a traditional topographical style with contour lines indicating elevation changes.
• Symbols are used to show landmarks and infrastructure, including roads and bodies of water.
• Light green shading indicates forested areas.
• The winding path of the river is shown in detail, a common feature of USGS topographical maps.
• The map illustrates a diverse landscape of mountainous terrain, valleys, and river systems.
• Historical changes are visible over time, including urban development in Hamilton and alterations in land use.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.