"Water wheel on Flathead Irrigation Project."

This image documents investigations and construction on various units of the Flathead Irrigation Project. The Project was initiated to determine rights and distribute water originating on the Flathead Indian Agency in Montana to both tribal and non-tribal land. The establishment of the Reservation in 1855 preceded Montana statehood by nearly 35 years and presented many challenges in establishing senority and providing for equitable distribution of water for the irrigation of farms and ranches.