Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2023 October 17

= October 17 =

Help me find the "South Forty" on Polson Bay, Montana

 * With the help of Montana politician Joseph M. Dixon (1867–1934), Congress granted 160 acres for research purposes, 80 of which was set aside for what became the new and current station on Yellow Bay, 40 for part of Bull Island, and 40 for Wild Horse Island, which was exchanged for the "South Forty" on Polson Bay. Later, land on Bird Islands was added fore research use.

This is sourced from the audio transcript here. I listened to it so make sure the transcription of "South Forty" was correct, which it is. But I can't find anything about any islands (or is it in reference to something else?) called the "South Forty" in Montana. I would appreciate some help. Thanks. Viriditas (talk) 23:36, 17 October 2023 (UTC)


 * There appears to be a slight error in the text; based on what I am seeing of Flathead Lake, I believe that should read "Polson" rather than "Poison", though I may be looking at the wrong thing. GalacticShoe (talk) 23:44, 17 October 2023 (UTC)
 * It's my typo, sorry. I will correct it now. Viriditas (talk) 23:45, 17 October 2023 (UTC)
 * Doesn't help you find the plot of land, but our article South 40 explains the origin of the nickname, which was clearly given because it was forty acres and the southernmost of the research areas. Deor (talk) 13:39, 18 October 2023 (UTC)
 * Mind blown. Thanks for helping. Viriditas (talk) 17:16, 18 October 2023 (UTC)