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1952 Map of Rathbun Ranch

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Rathbun Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Rathbun Ranch and several other family livestock operations define this high-elevation landscape in Wyoming's Hot Springs County as it appeared in the early 1950s. The map illustrates a complex network of seasonal water management and pastoral infrastructure, centered on the drainage of Kirby Creek. Water security in this arid environment is evident through the presence of the Kirby Reservoir, several Ditch lines, and a series of Pipe Lines that traverse the terrain to support the remote outposts.

The rugged eastern edge is dominated by the steep slopes of Lysite Mountain, while the valleys below are dotted with winter quarters and permanent settlements like Hays Winter Ranch and Gardner Winter Ranch. These family names, alongside the Day Homestead and Bloomquist Ranch, provide a clear record of mid-century land use and ranching genealogy. The topography is intricately carved by the West Fork Kirby Creek and Ackies Fork, showing the vital relationship between the natural hydrology and the working ranches of the Missouri River Basin.