1954 Map of Tidwell 2 NE

About this map

The San Rafael River cuts through this arid Emery County landscape, where water management is the primary marker of human activity. This 1954 survey illustrates a network of essential reservoirs and washes necessary for life in the high desert. Scattered across the terrain are Buckmaster Reservoir, Trail Reservoir, Ninemile Reservoir, and Hatt Reservoir, each strategically placed to capture seasonal runoff. Near the settlement at Buckmaster, the topography is defined by Buckmaster Draw and the serpentine path of Saleratus Wash. The presence of the D&RGW railroad in the upper corner and the distinctive feature known as Jessies Twist reveal the region's historical reliance on specific travel corridors through the canyon country. The map captures a moment when traditional ranching and rail infrastructure dictated the geography of the San Rafael Swell's eastern fringes.