1951 Map of Square Top Butte

About this map

The USAF Bombing Range No 4 (Inactive) occupies a significant portion of this high plains landscape, illustrating the military's use of Wyoming's open spaces during the mid-20th century. Established for the development of the Missouri River Basin, the map details a region where ranching and early energy extraction intersect. The McFarland Ranch sits at the junction of several drainage systems, while signs of petroleum exploration appear in the northeast via an Oil Well and Oil Tanks. The topography is dominated by the prominent Square Top Butte and the wooded slopes of Pine Ridge. The complex hydrology of the area is mapped through various watercourses, including the Powder River and the branching forks of Middle Fork Casper Creek and South Fork Casper Creek. A long Pipe Line cuts across the southern terrain, further reflecting the industrial infrastructure emerging in this part of Natrona County.