1985 Map of Beloit

About this map

Waconda Lake dominates the northern horizon of this North Central Kansas landscape, where the damming of the Solomon River fundamentally altered the local geography. The map illustrates a strictly organized agricultural grid, punctuated by vital transportation hubs like the Missouri Pacific RR and numerous landing strips, including the Tipton Landing Strip and Vesper Landing Field. These features highlight the reliance on both rail and small-craft aviation to bridge the distances between rural communities such as Osborne, Lincoln, and Cawker City. A notable institutional landmark is the State Girls Industrial School located on the outskirts of Beloit, providing a specific point of interest for social historians. Large conservation tracts like the Glen Elder State Wildlife Area and Wilson State Wildlife Area border the water bodies, marking a transition from traditional farming to managed natural spaces.