1974 Map of Spoon Butte

About this map

Spoon Butte dominates this High Plains landscape, straddling the state line where Wyoming and Nebraska meet. This 1974 field-checked survey reveals a rugged, sparsely populated ranching environment defined by dramatic elevation changes and ephemeral drainage systems. The boundary between Goshen County and Sioux County bisects the area, highlighting the geographic isolation of these borderlands. Water sources are critical features in this arid terrain, with Sheep Creek and George Draw providing the primary relief to the rolling topography. The presence of the Carpenter Ranch reflects the enduring agricultural heritage of the region, where large-scale landholdings are necessary for cattle operations. The map provides a precise record of the fencelines, tanks, and windmills that supported 20th-century life on the edge of the Nebraska Panhandle.