1916 Map of Blue Mesa

About this map

Blue Mesa dominates this 1913-1914 survey of the central Bighorn Basin, a landscape defined by significant watercourse drainage systems and sharp topographical relief. The quadrangle captures the borderlands of Washakie and Hot Springs counties, marked by a distinct Boundary Line that bisects the rugged terrain. Hydrological features provide the primary points of orientation, with the winding paths of Gooseberry Creek, Grass Creek, and Cottonwood Creek cutting through the arid environment. Minor water sources and drainage channels like Harris Spring, Spring Gulch, and Coal Draw suggest the importance of local water management for early ranching or mining interests in this region during the early twentieth century. The map also includes several labeled benchmarks, providing precise elevations across the dissected plateaus and gulches.