Maginnis Trail Route Map Section Plat Page 1

(Extracted from BLM/GLO Survey Records)

The section trail portion identifies the route created by the Military. The identification of that trail is generally referred to as being “Junction City”, “Stage Line” or “Fort Maginnis”; depending upon the direction of travel. The trail became evident only after the Topographical Surveyors mapped the land sections and were manually connected from township to township. There are numerous other trails that interconnect with each other. The trail portion identified for the Maginnis-Junction City trail is identified with a ® symbol at each segment end. This route agrees with the mileage calculations provided by Captain Hathaway.

T5N – T7N & R34E – R38E ---- Before Junction City Creation

This combined survey of the local area was created in 1878-1879, and only shows the Stage Line running between Fort Ellis and Fort Keogh. Junction City wasn’t created until a short time later. It would be in T5N R33E S36.

T5N R33E S36

Initially created in 1878, this location was re-surveyed in 1879 and 1804. The map was released in 1806. This survey section was restricted to the southern side of the Yellowstone, as it was committed to support the Crow Act for identification of land south of the Yellowstone River. The Junction City Post Office was located for reference. The ferry location is also platted. The PO location will be the start point ® for the Maginnis Trail.

T5N R33E Original Plat Book Entry

Note that only the original c1879 trails are located. The route to the town of Musselshell is not defined from the top of Section 26 to Section 6. That missing section of trail from the upper ® to the T5N-T6N boundary is picked up from the Terrain Navigator 2006 Topo map projections. That trail segment is verbally described in various Junction City documents. It is currently known as highway 310, and it follows the land contours. When you travel the highway, and upon approach to Five Mile Hill area, the original trail can be seen a short distance away on the left – where it cuts through some low lying hills.

Junction City to Springs (Good Water) – 14 miles (End of Page 1 details)

T7N R32E 1911- Final Segment

Note that the trail cuts due west and exits Section 19.

T6N R32E 1911 – Connecting Segment from T6N R33E

T6N R33E 1911 – Connecting segment from T5N R33E (Junction City)

Note that a portion of the stage line route wasn’t platted.

T5N R33E Plat Book Image

The trail starts at junction and proceeds northwest to where it is joined with the approximate route of highway 310.

Continue to page 2, for route from Spring to Musselshell