Petroleum and Natural-Gas Fields in Wyoming

Assessing Wyoming’s vital fuel resources during World War II.

“As stated in the introduction, approximately 85 geological structures in Wyoming have been found to contain petroleum, natural gas, or both. At least 75 oil or gas fields on these structures have produced or are producing some oil or gas of commercial value…This report deals with each of these 75 fields and furnishes as much pertinent information and data as are available with the view of giving a fair over-all picture of the fields; many details, however, are necessarily omitted.” – pg. 4.

This detailed report on Wyoming’s deposits of petroleum and natural gas was published by the Government Printing Office in 1941. The contents, compiled as a joint effort by the United States Geological Survey and the Bureau of Mines, offer a comprehensive analysis of the state’s drilling history, geologic structures, fuel output, production methods, and much more. Most of the data cited was gathered during the late 1930s, but with American entry into World War II appearing ever more likely, it was critical for federal planners to have an up-to-date understanding of the nation’s strategic natural resources.

The publication provides text descriptions and numerous large-scale maps of each producing field across the Equality State. An accompanying appendix contains dozens of tables listing output, size, operating costs, and more. Thirteen fold-out maps are included, starting with an interesting geologic chronology of the state. The next dozen sheets are maps of varying scale that show some of the most productive fields and geologic structures of the era, including Lance Creek, Elk Basin, Lost Soldier, and Salt Creek.