1899 Map of Goshen Hole

About this map

Goshen Hole defines this landscape in the late nineteenth century, characterized by a network of cattle ranches and intermittent water sources along the Wyoming Nebraska Boundary Line. The terrain is marked by prominent landforms such as Bear Creek Mtn and Table Mountain, which provided natural landmarks for early settlers and travelers. The distribution of named sites like Greasewood Ranch, Yoder's Ranch, and Marshalls Ranch illustrates the ranching economy that took hold before the widespread development of permanent towns. Early irrigation efforts are visible in the north near the North Platte River, where the Mitchell Canal and Lawrence Canal begin to move water into the arid plains. Small hubs like La Grange and Goshen appear as early points of community, while the presence of State Line Springs and Hawk Springs highlights the critical importance of reliable water in the High Plains.