1951 Map of Benton Basin NE

About this map

The Rattle Snake Range dominates this mid-century Wyoming landscape, showing a transition from the rugged highlands down to the basin floor. This 1951 field-checked survey documents a rugged ranching and resource corridor in Natrona County where water and infrastructure define human presence. The Oregon Trail Pipe Line cuts across the terrain, illustrating the modern industrial layer superimposed on a region historically defined by its springs and drainages. The Young Ranch stands as a focal point of settlement along the base of Ryan Hill, positioned near Willow Spring. The network of seasonal drainages, including Poison Creek, Iron Creek, and Willow Creek, highlights the importance of water management in the high plains, further evidenced by the Fish Ditch in the southwest corner. This map captures the intersection of cattle ranching and early energy transit routes on the approach to Alcova.