1954 Map of Wig Mtn SW

About this map

Dugway Proving Ground and the Wendover Bombing and Gunnery Range dominate this mid-century landscape in the Utah desert. The terrain is defined by vast alkali flats and salt pans, where elevation changes are measured in single feet across miles of open ground. This 1954 survey captures the area during a period of significant military utility, as these expansive ranges were essential for large-scale testing and training maneuvers. The map's sparse labels reflect a landscape where natural landmarks are rare, noted primarily by specific vertical benchmarks such as Vabm 4296, which provides a rare point of reference in an otherwise featureless expanse. The absence of roads or civilian settlements underscores the specialized, restricted nature of the territory during the Cold War era.