1964 Map of Ross Butte

About this map

The Green River and New Fork River converge in this high-desert landscape of Sublette County, marking a vital hydrological junction where braided river channels cut through arid plateaus. The historical path of the Emigrant Trail traverses the northwest corner, following the same natural corridors used by early westward travelers across the Wyoming basins. This 1960s survey illustrates a specialized ranching economy dependent on an intricate system of water management, visible through numerous named irrigation features like the Hanna Ditch, Sheep Ditch, and Wardell Ditch. Elevated terrain such as Ross Butte and Ross Ridge dominate the eastern half of the map, providing a stark contrast to the riparian lowlands of Alkali Creek and Granite Wash. Infrastructure of the mid-century is represented by The Mesa Road and a solitary Gaging Sta along the riverbank.