1967 Map of Lightning Ridge

About this map

Lightning Ridge dominates the high ground of this section of Washakie County, where the landscape transitions from steep drainage basins to elevated grazing plateaus. The 1960s range economy is clearly marked by a sophisticated system of water management, featuring named catchments such as Two Tree Reservoir, Corner Reservoir, and the Yellow Flats Reservoir. These features reflect the essential infrastructure required for livestock in the arid Wyoming interior. Along the southeastern edge, the Nowood River cuts through the terrain near the Orchard Landing Strip, indicating the importance of small-scale aviation for remote ranching operations. The presence of numerous named draws, including Telephone Draw and Homestead Draw, suggests a landscape shaped by historical land claims and local communications routes. This survey provides a precise record of the land before modern intensive development, documenting the springs, wells, and Jeep Trails that connected these isolated homesteads.