1971 Map of Ruthton

About this map

The Oregon Trail cuts through this high plains landscape, descending past the famous Windlass Hill toward the valley of the North Platte River. This corridor was vital to western migration, evidenced here by the preservation of Ash Hollow State Historical Park and landmarks like Ash Hollow Cave. The map captures the area during the early 1970s, where the western reaches of Lake McConaughy meet the Clear Creek State Waterfowl Management Area, creating a complex wetland environment in the river's flood plain.