1914 Map of Walcott

About this map

The North Platte River snakes through this high desert corridor, a landscape defined by the crucial transportation links of the early twentieth century. As seen in this 1912 survey, the Union Pacific railroad serves as the primary artery, connecting the settlement at Walcott to the military and railroad history of Fort Steele. The map reveals a complex system of early water management, with the North Ditch, Middle Ditch, and Canyon Ditch cutting across the arid terrain to support isolated outposts like Ferris Ranch and Miller Ranch. High ground is dominated by features such as Mt Steele and St Marys Hill, while the lowlands include the expansive Alkali Flat. The presence of the S and R R junction at Walcott highlights the area's role as a regional hub for ranching and freight during this era of western expansion.