1951 Map of Benton Basin SW

About this map

Oregon Trail tracks cut across the northern section of this landscape, marking the historic westward migration route through the arid terrain of central Wyoming. This 1951 survey, with revisions from the 1980s, highlights the intersection of pioneer history and modern conservation efforts. The southern portion of the sheet is dominated by the Pathfinder Reservoir, which is surrounded by the Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge. The hydrology is defined by seasonal watercourses such as Horse Creek and Fish Creek, which drain into the reservoir. Infrastructure is sparse but telling of the region's utility, including a Pipe Line and a localized Oil Tank. This map captures a specific transition in the Wyoming interior, where the heritage of the trail meets the large-scale water management and wildlife protection established in the twentieth century.