1963 Map of James Lake

About this map

James Lake and the surrounding high plains of Albany County are defined by a complex network of water management and petroleum extraction as of the early 1960s. The landscape is crisscrossed by essential water infrastructure, including Bellamy Ditch No 1, Bellamy Ditch No 2, and the Snake Ditch, which redirect flow across the arid terrain toward ranching operations like the Hunt Ranch and Miller Ranch. In the western portion of the sheet, the Quealy Dome Oil Field signifies the region's industrial footprint, supported by numerous pipelines and a Gravel Pit. Historical transit is preserved through the Overland Trail, which runs through the southern sections near the Little Laramie River. Notable elevation changes occur at Sevenmile Hill and Signal Hill, providing context for the placement of various canals and telephone lines that supported this rural Wyoming economy.