Antique Maps and Prints of the Historic Territory of Montana

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This short REFERENCE PAGE is designed to provide no more than a 'glimpse' of the history of the State,
with a couple of examples of antiquarian maps and engravings and some interesting Links.

This Page is provided as a REFERENCE RESOURCE - it is NOT an Inventory.
Genuine original antiquarian maps and authentic historical engravings, printed at the dates stated.
We do NOT deal in modern reproductions.

We supply genuine historical maps and prints by mail order - all are eminently suitable for framing and are offered On Approval, which
GUARANTEES YOUR ENTIRE SATISFACTION!
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Topography: The length of the Territory from east to west varies from 460 to 540 miles; its average breadth is 275 miles; and its area is 146,080 square miles, or 93,491,200 acres, of which 80,651,676 are still unsurveyed.

The eastern division embraces the great plains or rolling table lands, which cover three-fifths of the area of the Territory; the Rocky mountains, with other ranges, occupying the west.

The Rocky mountains form the southwest boundary, from the west line of Wyoming to the intersection of the parallel 45° 40' north latitude with the 114th meridian of longitude; thence run east for some distance, and from the 112th meridian continue in a north-western direction to the British Possessions.

The Bitter Root mountains branch off at the eastern extension of the Rockies, and form the western boundary of the Territory for a considerable distance. Other important ranges are the Snow mountains in the south, and the Belt, Highwood, Judith and Little Rocky mountains.

The peaks are from 6,000 to 12,000 feet above the sea level, and the valleys average about 4,000 feet, the mountain belt having an average breadth of 180 miles. The plains slope gradually toward the east, having an elevation of about 4,000 feet at the base of the mountains, and of 2,000 feet at the Dakota line.

The Rocky mountains form the water-shed, and give rise to the Jefferson; Madison and Gallatin rivers, which unite near Gallatin City and form the Missouri. The latter runs north, northeast, and finally east; and the Yellowstone, which has its source in the National Park, in Wyoming, runs north and northeast through Montana, and joins the Missouri near its eastern boundary.

Other important streams are the Flathead, Missoula, Big Blackfoot, Bitter Root and Milk rivers. The largest body of water is Flathead Lake, which is about thirty miles long by ten miles wide, and there are several smaller lakes in the northwest.

Timber is abundant on the mountain slopes, and consists of pine, cedar, fir and hemlock, estimated to cover in all over 25,000,000 acres. Cottonwood, willow and alder are found along the streams, and in this respect Montana is much better off than many of her immediate neighbors.

Climate: The climate of Montana is warmer than that of the Eastern States in the same latitude, and is very dry, the rainfall seldom exceeding twelve inches per annum.

In the east the mean annual temperature varies from 41° to 49° Fahrenheit, but in the mountainous region it is lower. The snowfall is heavy in the mountains, but light in the valleys, and the climate is favorable for outdoor and agricultural occupations, and the raising of stock.

History: Montana was formerly included in Idaho, and was constituted a Territory May 26, 1864. In 1873 it received an accession of about 2,000 square miles from Dakota. Virginia City, in Madison county, was originally the capital, but the seat of government was removed to Helena in 1875.

The growth of the Territory dates from the opening of the gold mines in 1861. Montana has been the scene of several conflicts with the Indians, the most notable being the sanguinary battle on the banks of the Little Big Horn, on June 25,1876, in which the seventh United States cavalry was nearly annihilated.

On that occasion the United States forces, numbering about 330 men, were surrounded by nearly 5,000 Sioux, under a chief named Sitting Bull, who had gathered around him warriors from several small tribes.

Gen. Custer, a noted Indian fighter, and 261 officers and men, were slain in the engagement, and the enemy succeeded in escaping into British territory, but finding it difficult to get food there, they gave themselves up to the United States military authorities, during the early part of 1881.

There [were] in the Territory 19,791 Indians. The amount of land held in reservations for them, is 24,156,800 acres, of which more than 10,000,000 is good land. Of this, only 3,769 acres are tilled.

Population: Census of 1880: Males, 28,177; Females, 10,982; Native, 27,638; Foreign, 11,521; White, 35,385; Colored, 3,774, including 1,765 Chinese, and 1,663 Indians who have no tribal relations.

Before I retired, Postaprint supplied picture framers and antiquarian map & print dealers for over 25 years. The inventory encompassed examples of the cartographer's art from the 16th to the 19th century, along with topographical engravings, lithographs and etchings by leading artists of their generation. You can Search my wife's eBay Store Database for historic maps, views, and engravings on virtually every subject, including Vanity Fair (Spy) Cartoons. All our offers are genuine old and historical items on a wide range of subjects.
All are suitable for framing by Art Galleries, Shops and Fine Art Retailers.
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SOME GIFT IDEAS FROM JULIE
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Perhaps a map or print of somewhere important in someone's life. For example, where they were born, got married, went on honeymoon etc. I do have a wide selection of topographical views and historical maps.
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...Or do a search for their last name, you will be surprised what you might discover!

Specialist mail order suppliers of collectible historical antique maps and engravings.