1949 Map of Gilbert Lake

About this map

Sage Creek and its various branches dominate this landscape in central Wyoming, showing the intricate drainage patterns of the high plains before the extensive modern modifications of the late 20th century. This 1949 survey was produced as part of the Department of the Interior program for the development of the Missouri River Basin, reflecting a post-war emphasis on water management and land use. The isolated Smith Ranch serves as a primary marker of human activity in an area defined by wide-open ranching tracts and winding watercourses like the Gilbert Ditch. Local transit was facilitated by the Highland Loop Road and the Glenrock-Ross Road, which provided essential links between the remote ranching operations and larger regional hubs. The presence of Gilbert Lake near the center of the sheet highlights the importance of seasonal or managed water sources for livestock and survival in this arid terrain.