1908 Map of Medicine Bow

About this map

The Medicine Bow Range dominates this high-altitude landscape during the early twentieth century, showing a region defined by ranching, resource extraction, and early rail development. Surveyed between 1904 and 1906, the map documents the Laramie Hanns Peak and Pacific R R cutting across the foothills east of Centennial Ridge. Scattered ranching outposts such as the Logan-Grisley Ranch, Stillson Ranch, and Beckwith Ranch are established along the drainage of the Little Laramie River and its tributaries. Industrial footprints are visible at the White Swan Mine, American Mine, and Webbers Sawmill, illustrating the era's reliance on the mountain's timber and minerals. High-country landmarks like Medicine Bow Peak and Browns Peak tower over numerous alpine water bodies, including Lake Marie, Trout Lake, and Lake Owens. This survey captures the transition from a wilderness frontier to a more organized mountain economy just after the turn of the century.