1950 Map of Lockett

About this map

The North Platte River winds through this landscape on the border of Natrona and Converse counties, defining a corridor of industrial and agricultural activity in the post-war era. The Big Muddy Oil Field dominates the eastern half of the map, marked by a network of pipelines and storage tanks that signify the region's energy economy. This industrial presence contrasts with the traditional livestock operations found further south, where established homesteads like the Old Webble Ranch, Old Altman Ranch, and Milne Ranch are situated along the drainages of Muddy Creek. Transportation is anchored by the Chicago and Northwestern railroad, which parallels the river and serves the small settlements of Big Muddy and Lockett. The mapping also shows various water management features, including a ditch system and several windmills, which were essential for supporting both the oil fields and the outlying ranches.