1948 Map of Barrel Springs Creek South

About this map

Snake Creek meanders across this High Plains landscape, characterizing a region defined by its sparse water sources and essential ranching infrastructure. Surveyed in the late 1940s, the terrain is dotted with numerous windmills, a critical component for cattle operations in the arid sandhills of western Nebraska. The map reveals the layout of rural education during this era, showing School No 22, School No 28, and School No 36 positioned to serve isolated homesteads. Near the southern border, the broken topography of Goodstreak contrasts with the flatter plains to the north. Evidence of early water management attempts appears in the form of an Abandoned Canal north of the creek, illustrating the challenges of irrigation in this environment. The map also delineates the jurisdictional boundary between Box Butte County and Morrill County, grounding the survey in its local political context.