1971 Map of Amherst SW

About this map

Frenchman Creek and Wildhorse Creek define the drainage patterns of this high plains landscape in Phillips County during the early 1970s. The terrain is characterized by a sparse, grid-like network of unimproved roads and light-duty paths that navigate a series of depressions and low rises. A striking aspect of this survey is the proliferation of individual water wells scattered across the sections, reflecting the critical importance of groundwater for agricultural survival in this semi-arid region of eastern Colorado. Outside of these utility points, the map shows a quiet, open landscape with very few structures, illustrating the low-density settlement patterns typical of the region's ranching and farming operations during this era.