1978 Map of Beckman Lake

About this map

Beckman Lake (Alkali) and the converging forks of the Rush Creek drainage system define the sparse, arid landscape of this Lincoln County region during the late 1970s. The terrain is characterized by a network of seasonal water sources, including North Rush Creek, Middle Rush Creek, and South Rush Creek, which wind through the plains. The presence of numerous Wells, tanks, and isolated Springs highlights the critical importance of water management for ranching and agricultural survival in this high plains environment. Surveyed by the U.S. Geological Survey using photogrammetric methods, the map documents a territory where human activity is largely represented by scattered infrastructure and section-line roads, revealing the quiet, functional nature of the Colorado prairie before any modern suburban expansion.