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1963 Map of Bamforth Lake

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Bamforth Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge anchors the southern portion of this high-plains landscape, where the waters of the Laramie River and Little Laramie River converge. This early 1960s survey documents a highly managed hydrological environment, defined by an intricate network of irrigation channels such as the Oasis Ditch, Biddick Ditch, and North Fork Canal. These systems sustained a series of established family livestock operations, including the Biddick Ranch, Oasis Ranch, and Carroll Ranch.

Transportation and industry are marked by the Union Pacific railroad line cutting through the northeastern corner and a Borrow Pit near the riverbanks. The terrain is characterized by the wide depression of the Big Basin and a series of distinct water bodies like West Carroll Lake and the curious Soap Holes. This map serves as a detailed record of the mid-century ranching economy and the complex water rights essential to the arid Wyoming landscape.