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Mapping Northwestern Wyoming and The Road Into Montana

The Map of a Military Reconnaissance in North Western Wyoming, created under the direction of Brigadier General E.O.C. Ord and executed by Captain W.A. Jones of the Corps of Engineers, U.S.A., in 1873, provides an intricate depiction of the region's geography and topographical features. Published in 1874 by the authority of the Secretary of War, this map is a valuable historical document detailing the exploration and surveying efforts in the Northwestern Wyoming territory during the post-Civil War era. 

The map details various natural and man-made features across Northwestern Wyoming. The region covered includes prominent landmarks such as Yellowstone National Park, Fort Bridger, and significant geographical formations in Wyoming and neighboring parts of Montana, and Idaho. Notable topographic elements include:

• Yellowstone National Park: The map highlights key features such as the Lower and Upper Geyser Basins, Yellowstone Lake, and prominent peaks like Mount Washburn and Sepulcher Mountain. The depiction of geothermal areas emphasizes the park's volcanic and hydrothermal activity.
• Fort Bridger: Located in the southwestern part of Wyoming, Fort Bridger is shown with detailed surroundings, including adjacent trails and the Union Pacific Railroad.
• Topographic Details: The map illustrates the relief of the region using hachures to represent mountains, valleys, and plateaus, providing a sense of the rugged terrain encountered during the reconnaissance. 

The map includes several trails and routes critical to military and exploratory expeditions during the period:

• Military Trails: Marked with dotted lines, these trails indicate the paths taken by military units and scouts during their reconnaissance missions.
• Civilian Trails: These include trails used by settlers, traders, and Indigenous peoples, providing insights into the movement and migration patterns in the region.

A legend on the map's lower right corner explains the symbols used:

• Trails or Roads: Indicated by dashed lines, representing routes taken by military and civilian parties.
• Military Posts: Marked with a flag symbol, denoting established military installations like Fort Bridger.
• Camps: Represented by small tent icons, indicating temporary encampments used during the reconnaissance.
• Elevations and Astronomical Stations: Crosses and stars respectively, showing locations where elevation measurements and astronomical observations were conducted.

The creation of this map was part of broader efforts by the U.S. Army to explore and document the American West following the Civil War. The 1870s marked a significant era of exploration in the Yellowstone and Northwestern Wyoming regions, primarily driven by the desire to understand the area's geography, resources, and potential for settlement. The Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition of 1870, led by Henry D. Washburn and accompanied by Nathaniel P. Langford and Lieutenant Gustavus C. Doane, was one of the earliest and most notable explorations of Yellowstone. This expedition documented many of the geothermal features of the park and played a crucial role in the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park in 1872. The following year, the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871, led by Ferdinand V. Hayden, provided a more comprehensive scientific assessment of the Yellowstone region. This survey included detailed mapping, geological studies, and the collection of specimens, further solidifying the importance of preserving the area.

During the 1870s, the U.S. military's presence in Northwestern Wyoming was significant, primarily focused on protecting settlers and securing the region for further exploration and development. Fort Bridger, established in 1843, served as a critical outpost for military operations in the area. It was instrumental in supporting various expeditions and providing a base for reconnaissance missions like those led by Captain W.A. Jones.

Interactions between the U.S. military and local Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Crow, and Sioux, were complex and often contentious. The military's efforts to secure the region for settlers frequently led to conflicts. The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 was a significant attempt to establish peace by creating the Great Sioux Reservation and recognizing Native American lands. However, the influx of miners and settlers into these territories often led to breaches of the treaty, resulting in skirmishes and battles.