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Big Muddy Creek
The Big Muddy is a 3rd-order tributary of the Missouri River. From its headwaters in Saskatchewan, the Big Muddy flows south to Redstone, then east to Plentywood, and then through Sheridan and Roosevelt Counties. It drains in to the Missouri River about 5 miles west of Culbertson. The watershed is mapped in USGS Cataloging Unit 10060006. The unit contains 25 rivers and streams. The US portion of the Big Muddy channel is about 115 miles in length.
Big Muddy Creek is a typical prairie stream. Flows fluctuate dramatically, with peaks occurring during early spring, with decreasing runoff and flows during summer and winter. However, thunderstorms or heavy rains during summer can cause high flows. West of the town of Medicine Lake, natural flows are altered by Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Water is diverted from Big Muddy Creek, and from tributaries, into the lake units. Their regulation reduces peak spring flows and floods. In contrast, summer and fall flow may be higher than would be expected on a prairie stream.
Plentywood, Montana began when a cattlemen coming across the state met some riders coming from the opposite direction. The cattle outfit needed water and a place to set up camp. They were told to keep going for a bit until they would find “plenty wood” where timber grew alongside the bank of a creek. The cattlemen pressed on and set up camp in what was eventually called Plentywood.
Plentywood, Montana began when a cattlemen coming across the state met some riders coming from the opposite direction. The cattle outfit needed water and a place to set up camp. They were told to keep going for a bit until they would find “plenty wood” where timber grew alongside
Plentywood, Montana: Outlaw Haven of Yore
by Michele Kadison
The town was made official in 1909 when the railroad arrived. Before being settled by white men, the area was a hunting ground for the Assiniboine tribe. It was here too that Sitting Bull and the Sioux tribe surrendered to the U.S. Army. Then the region became prime grazing land for the white man’s cattle and sheep, until homesteaders arrived and created a town.
Plentywood has many tales to tell, with the Outlaw Trail crossing into Canada just north of town. The trail was used by rustlers to move stolen horses and cattle across the border. It was named by Butch Cassidy who made himself a temporary home in the Big Muddy Valley to the west. Outlaws were the rule of the day in turn of the century Plentywood, making it a legendary town in Wild West lore.
•Daniels County, MT to the west
•Divide County, ND to the east
•Roosevelt County, MT to the south
•Williams County, ND to the southeast
Vital Records
State office has birth and death records since late 1907, marriage and divorce records since July 1943. Some items may be verified. Certified copies of marriage and divorce records are not available from the state office.
Birth, Marriage, Divorce, and Death Records
On the Internet: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Call (406) 444-2685 for information on record lookup fees.
Write to:
Montana Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 4210
111 N. Sanders
Helena, MT 59604-4210
Notes:
• For county marriage records, contact the Clerk of District Court in the county where the license was issued. Cost will vary.
• For county divorce records, contact the court in the county where the divorce was granted.
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