1956 Map of West Thumb

About this map

Yellowstone Lake (West Thumb) serves as the geographic anchor for this mid-century topographic survey, where the Continental Divide weaves across the high-altitude volcanic plateau. The map captures a detailed inventory of hydrothermal activity, pinpointing the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Potts Hot Spring Basin, and the Thumb Paintpots along the shoreline. Thermal features extend deep into the wilderness, including the Heart Lake Geyser Basin near the foot of Mount Sheridan and Rustic Geyser further south.