1958 Map of Casper

About this map

The North Platte River anchors this mid-century survey of central Wyoming, winding through a complex landscape of energy production and water management. Highlighting the era's industrial footprint, the map documents the Poison Spider Oil Field and Grieve Oil Field, while the historic route of the Oregon Trail is traced across the high plains. Major infrastructure projects like the Pathfinder Dam and Alcova Dam have transformed the river valley into large reservoirs, contrasting with the wilderness of the Medicine Bow National Forest and the heights of Casper Mountain. Settlements such as Mills, Evansville, and the remote oil town of Bairoil illustrate the region's mid-century growth. The map also captures the sprawling drainage of the Great Divide Basin and the Shirley Basin, showing a network of ranching roads, rail lines like the Chicago and North Western, and aviation facilities at the Natrona County Airport.