1953 Map of Red Canyon

About this map

The Oregon Trail cuts across the southeastern corner of this landscape, marking a historic corridor of western migration through the high plains of Wyoming. This mid-century survey captures a terrain defined by the dramatic escarpment of Beaver Rim, which separates the higher plateau from the erosion-carved basin below. The topography is dominated by deep drainages like Red Canyon and Rocky Draw, showing a rugged environment where water sources were critical for both wildlife and travelers. Water management is evident through the presence of Antelope Springs Reservoir and Jackson Reservoir, alongside natural seeps like Jackson Spring and Bain Spring. Small landmarks such as the Shelter House near Cottonwood Creek suggest the sparse but essential human presence in this grazing and transit territory during the early 1950s.