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Montana Farmlands -- Great Northern Farm Land Promotion Map

Scarce promotional map and brochure designed to highlight and market agricultural land in Blaine and Phillips Counties of Montana in 1927.

The map was issued as part of Great Northern's markeiting efforts to attract homesteaders and investors to the opportunities presented by the expansion of the Great Northern Railway, particularly through the Saco-Turner New Line.

The brochure, with its headline "Great Northern New Line Option List," features images of agricultural activity, emphasizing the fertility and potential productivity of the region. It announces the "Construction" that would begin in the spring of 1928, ensuring new settlers could take advantage of the season to cultivate crops. It touts the opening of 1,500,000 acres in one of Montana's prime farming districts, highlighting the advancements in labor-saving machinery which have "reduced production cost, and improved methods of cultivation insure crops."

The map itself is a striking visual representation, showcasing "150,000 Acres Under Option." It is colored-coded: solid red indicates options, while light red signifies state land. Individual plots are outlined, each associated with specific township, range, and section numbers that can be cross-referenced for further details.

A  section of the map provides an explanatory key, outlining the significance of the color scheme and the details on how to locate specific options. It also provides financial details on state land, noting that the land is reappraised annually and the sale terms, suggesting a strong push to demonstrate transparency and encourage potential settlement and investment.

Below the map, a bold claim, "Montana is Second in Hard Spring Wheat," serves both as a testament to the region's agricultural viability and as a rallying call for those looking to engage in wheat farming.

The contact details provided, listing W.H. Reed in Harlem, Montana, and E.C. Leedy in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Rarity

The map is quite scarce.  This is the first example we have seen.