1959 Map of Beloit

About this map

The North Fork Solomon River and South Fork Solomon River define the mid-century landscape of North Central Kansas, feeding into significant water management projects of the era. The Kirwin Res and the newly completed Webster Dam backing the Webster Res illustrate the large-scale hydrologic changes occurring in the late 1950s. This survey, compiled from 1955 photogrammetry, documents the region's dense rail network, including the Union Pacific RR, Chicago Rock Island and Pacific RR, and Missouri Pacific RR, which connected agricultural hubs like Beloit, Phillipsburg, and Norton. Beyond the river valleys and rail lines, the map traces the high plains terrain toward landmarks like Blue Mound and numerous small settlements such as Esbon, Athol, and Luray that served as local centers for the surrounding farmsteads and ranchlands.