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Scarce land promotion broadside from the Great Northern Railway, circa 1929, advertising the promising opportunities of settling in Montana. The document highlights the immense potential of the "Big Flat" region, referencing the vast acreage available for sale and the railway's substantial investment in the region, all accompanied by a vivid photographic depiction of agriculture on the expansive plains.

The Great Northern Railway's promotional endeavors coincide with a period in American history marked by westward expansion and the allure of agricultural prospects in the frontier regions. The late 19th century and early 20th century saw the United States government and private enterprises like railways actively promoting the settlement of the western territories. Such initiatives sought to populate and develop these lands, utilizing the vast natural resources and transforming them into bustling hubs of agricultural productivity.

The broadside illustrates the farm of Carl Buttoll on the "Big Flat," emphasizing it as an exemplar of the region's agricultural bounty. The area, known for its vast expanses of fertile farming land, is spotlighted as one of the Northwest's crown jewels. With a rich history spanning a decade, despite being thirty miles away from the nearest transportation link, this district had already seen its lands yield bounteous crops and foster a thriving community of farmers.

Notably, the Great Northern Railway's commitment to the region is underscored by its proposal to invest a significant $2,000,000 in a 75-mile branch line specifically to service this territory. Such an investment was indicative of the confidence in the region's potential and the strategic value the railway attributed to it. Wheat, cattle, sheep, and hogs are cited as profitable ventures, offering settlers a clear vision of the prosperous life that awaited them.

The final appeal, made by E.C. Leedy, the General Agricultural Development Agent, offers potential settlers detailed information on rates and the advantages of settling prior to the completion of the railway. This is a testament to the railway's strategy—facilitating rapid settlement and ensuring the region's growth even before the completion of the transportation infrastructure.