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1961 Map of Cow Creek

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Cow Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The North Platte River winds through this high-plains landscape in Carbon County, defining a valley where water management and ranching dictate the pattern of human settlement. The 1961 field survey records an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure essential for the high-altitude climate, including the Ridding No 1 Ditch, Cherokee Ditch, and Reynolds Ditch. These canals trace the contours of the land to support several named agricultural holdings such as Ryan Ranch, Elk Hollow Ranch, and Rainbow Ranch.

Elevated terrain features like Needle Peak and the prominent Baggot Rocks overlook the drainage basins of Cow Creek and Beaver Creek. Notable landmarks include a lone marked Grave in the eastern hills and a local Substation near the river. The complex topography is further detailed through named drainages like Sixteen Gulch and Harrison Draw, while the presence of the Union Pacific and Encampment Valley Ditch underscores the historical intersection of transportation and water rights in this Wyoming territory.