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1959 Map of Mc Rae Gap

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Mc Rae Gap
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The high plains of Natrona County are defined by the winding course of the South Fork Powder River as it passes through a landscape of remote livestock operations and significant topographical landmarks. During the late 1950s, the region was sparsely settled, centered around isolated homesteads like Petty Ranch and Phillips Ranch. The terrain is marked by distinctive formations such as Wild Horse Butte and the Coalbank Hills, which rise above the surrounding drainages.

Water sources in this arid environment are critical, with Christine Lake and numerous seasonal flows like Cow Camp Creek, Landon Creek, and Stone Cabin Creek threading through the breaks. The presence of a Pipeline and an occasional Well indicate the early development of mineral resources alongside traditional ranching. Strategic passages such as Hoff Gap and Mc Rae Gap provided natural routes through the hills for early travelers and locals alike.