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1981 Map of Midwest

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Midwest
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Salt Creek Oil Field and the adjacent Naval Petroleum Reserve No 3 dominate this Wyoming landscape, reflecting the intensive energy development of the late twentieth century. Centered on the town of Midwest and nearby Edgerton, the map illustrates a complex network of resource extraction roads and pipelines characteristic of the High Plains energy boom. The drainage of Salt Creek and Teapot Creek carves through the terrain, punctuated by geologic landmarks like the distinctive Teapot Rock and Devils Monument.

Industrial and transport corridors are defined by the Burlington Northern Railroad and the Chicago and North Western Railroad, which served the region's shipping needs. Smaller settlements such as Austin, Marino, and Sodium provide clues to early ranching and mineral outposts, while reservoirs like Baskin Reservoir and Sherrod Reservoir highlight the critical role of water management in this arid environment. The map also captures the rugged eastern slopes of Pine Mountain and the prominent Pine Ridge.