1960 Map of Sooner Reservoir

About this map

Sooner Reservoir lies at the heart of this high desert terrain in Sweetwater, Wyoming, serving as a vital water source in an arid landscape defined by deep ephemeral drainage systems. The map depicts a sparse and specialized human presence during the mid-20th century, notably anchored by the Sheep Camp in the central basin. These seasonal outposts were essential for the regional livestock economy, providing a base for herders navigating the open range. The topography is intricately carved by Battle Spring Draw and Stratton Draw, which guide the flow of seasonal runoff through the sagebrush-covered flats. Originally surveyed in 1960 and updated with 1980 aerial data, the map captures the subtle infrastructure of remote ranching life, from unimproved dirt tracks to small stock reservoirs, before the broader shifts in land use that would follow.