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1957 Map of Sunshine Reservoir

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Sunshine Reservoir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

The Greybull River cuts a prominent path through this high-country landscape, serving as the central artery for a ranching and energy-producing economy in the mid-1950s. The map documents an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure essential for high-altitude agriculture, including the Long Hollow Ditch, Joe Moss Ditch, and Sunshine River Ditch. These waterways support several family-named ranching operations such as the Thomas Ranch, Z Bar T Ranch, and Palette Ranch.

Energy extraction is equally significant on this sheet, which identifies three distinct petroleum zones: the Spring Creek Oil Field, Pitchfork Oil Field, and Four Bear Oil Field. These industrial sites contrast with the protected wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest and the large footprint of the Sunshine Reservoir, which dominates the eastern basin. Local landmarks like Schaub Butte and Pappapau Butte provide topographical navigation points for researchers tracing the historical land use of this Wyoming territory.