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1915 Map of Grass Creek Basin

Name: 1915 Topographic Map of Grass Creek Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1937
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1937

About this map

Isolated homesteads and early extractive industry define this survey of the Grass Creek Basin area, conducted just before the First World War. The landscape is dominated by a series of family-held livestock operations, including Dickie Ranch in the north and Richman's Ranch to the south. These ranches follow the essential water sources of the region, such as Gooseberry Creek and Cottonwood Creek, which provided necessary irrigation and sustenance in the high-elevation terrain.

Evidence of early mineral exploration is visible at the Putney Mine near the southern boundary, while the geological character of the area is highlighted by landmarks like Crater Sink and the prominent Wagonhound Bench. This map captures a moment of ranching-driven settlement in Hot Springs County, where landmarks were often named for the families that worked the land, from Littlejohn Ranch to Gwynn's Ranch.